Drink and drugs could spell the end for Kenilworth pavilion
Picture of the pavilion at the bowling green in Abbey Fields. MHLC 13-02-13 Pavilion Feb 60
DRINKING and anti-social behaviour at the old bowling green pavilion could see the building removed as part of a £120,00 revamp for the area.
But campaigners are fighting to save the structure when work starts to install new play equipment at the site over the next few weeks.
Warwick District Council is putting £100,000 towards a brand new play area at Abbey Fields including transformation of the bowling green into a fenced off toddlers space.
After the pavilion was shamed as a trouble spot for drink and even drug use, district council officers said the only option was to remove it.
Speaking to members of the town council, officer Simon Richardson said the decision was made on police advice to ensure child safety.
“The pavilion was highlighted by police as a congregation for anti social behaviour and the last thing we want is for equipment to be damaged or people hanging round drinking bottles of Vodka,” he said.
“As it has been vacant since the bowling green ceased to be used, we see it only fit to remove it and open up the play area.”
Cllr Kate Dickson (Lib Dem, Abbey) said the state of the pavilion was putting people off as it was “strewn with litter, empty bottles and glass” and not a safe place for children to be playing near.
Town mayor, Cllr George Illingworth questioned how removal was justified without any public consultation as the idea was not mentioned in the play area questionnaire.
And the plans have raised concern in the town with a campaign now on to try and save the wooden structure.
Cllr Richard Davies said to lose the “nice example of 1920s park building” simply because of bad behaviour would be a great shame.
“Because people are congregating there to drink Vodka doesn’t seem to be a reason to destroy what is a public amenity,” he told members.
“It is the same as bus shelters, I often see pensioners sitting in the rain waiting for a bus because we removed the shelter to stop vandalism.
“This could be used for children’s parties or public use.”
Work to complete the new play area will start over the next few weeks, but the pavilion will be left until a bat survey is completed.
Patricia Cain, chair of the Kenilworth Society, called for the asset to be altered and left as a shelter for parents while their children play.
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Weather for Kenilworth
Wednesday 22 May 2013
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