Leamington Spa News
The latest Leamington Spa news: planning decisions, council and crime updates, business and community stories, each linked back to its official source.
Top story
Chiltern Strike: No Leamington-Stratford Trains 10, 17 Oct
No Chiltern trains will run between Leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday 10 or 17 October in an RMT strike. Most London trains still run.
More stories
Planning
Leamington Care Home Could Become SEN School for 35 Pupils
A former care home at 26 Warwick New Road could become a school for up to 35 children aged 5 to 11 with autism, ADHD and similar needs. Comments close 16 Oct.
Sport
Leamington Bowls Club Retains National Top Club Title
Royal Leamington Spa's women won Bowls England's Top Club title for a second year, beating Cleethorpes 4-0 in the rain at Victoria Park. Plus a singles crown.
Crime
Leamington Shoplifting Up 72%, Trebled in Leamington South
Police recorded 246 shoplifting offences in Leamington from March to July, up from 143 a year earlier. In Leamington South they rose from 42 to 141.
Parks
Jephson Gardens Wins a 2026 National Landscape Award
Jephson Gardens' upkeep has won a 2026 BALI National Landscape Award, one of four for public parks, in the year it held its 20th straight Green Flag.
Council
Cost of Living Fund: £3,000 Grants Close Wednesday 30 Sep
Groups in Warwick district have until Wednesday 30 September to bid for up to £3,000. Bids are scored out of 9, and 5 or less is unlikely to be funded.
Crime
Warwick School Incident: Three Arrested, Teen Cut to Face
Three people are in custody after a car was driven towards a teacher outside a Warwick school on Shelley Avenue. Police now say a young teenager was cut to the face.
Council
Warwick District Barbecue Ban and New Dog Rules From 4 Nov
Barbecues and fires are banned in every public place in Warwick district from 4 November, and dogs must be leashed in more parks. £100 fines.
Council
Warwick District Council This Week: LGR Bill, Housing Target
Full council votes on Wednesday on billing the Government for reorganisation and on a lower housing target. Plus a £38.62 an hour fee for big EIR requests.
Planning
Leamington Listed Windows: Vacuum Glazing Ruling Deferred
Councillors deferred a recommended refusal of vacuum double glazing at a Grade II Leamington villa, asking for evidence on past appeals and the new NPPF.
Housing
Warwick District House Prices: Growth Halves to 1.7%
The average Warwick district home cost £369,220 in July, up just £6,074 in a year. Annual growth more than halved, to the slowest since October 2024.
Leamington Spa
Leamington Christmas Lights: Nominate by 11 October
A local hero will switch on Leamington's Christmas lights on 15 November, and anyone can nominate one. Nominations close on Sunday 11 October.
Leamington Spa
Warwick District Jobless Claims Hit Highest Since 2021
2,425 people in Warwick district claimed jobless benefits in August, up 85 in a month and the most since December 2021. Under-25 claims are up 22% in a year.
Planning
Warwick Lidl Vote Pulled: Tesco Points to Leamington Site
Lidl's Heathcote Lane store was pulled from committee over the sequential test. Tesco says Leamington's Covent Garden car park was discounted too fast.
Planning
Southbound Leamington Granted: Midnight Close, 6 Conditions
Southbound, the bar in Leamington's railway arches, has permission. Customers out by midnight, outdoor seating shut at 10.30pm, noise work required first.
Local government
Warwickshire Reorganisation Paused: 2027 Elections Go Ahead
Warwickshire's two new unitary councils are on hold while the Government reviews its own decision. The May 2027 district elections go ahead on existing wards.
Kenilworth
Kenilworth HS2 Noise: Major Impact Now at Dalehouse Lane
HS2's own report now rates Dalehouse Lane noise as major, day and night, where the Environmental Statement said moderate. The council rules by 20 October.
Leamington Spa
Jephson Gardens Tree Trail: 23 QR Labels, 140 Species
Warwick District Council has QR-labelled 23 of Jephson Gardens' most significant trees. Free to use, in a park with more than 140 species and 20 Green Flags.
Leamington Spa
Ukrainian Independence Day Marked at All Saints', Leamington
Prayer, silence, music and poetry at All Saints' on 24 August as Leamington's Ukrainian community marked Independence Day. The chair and the MP, in their words.
Heritage
Heritage Open Days Leamington: 22 Free Events, 11-20 Sept
Fifty-seven free openings across the district from 11 to 20 September, 22 in Leamington. Forty-two need no booking; two do. Times, places and what to book.
Kenilworth
Kenilworth Skate Park Survey Closes Friday 11 September
Warwick District Council wants views on rebuilding Castle Farm skate area in Kenilworth. The survey shuts on Friday 11 September. What is there now.
Community
Warwick District Grants: £20,000 for Clubs, First Come
Warwick District Council has awarded £25,860 in community grants since April, against £101,120 last year. Up to £20,000 each, first come, first served.
Housing
Warwick House Prices Up £16,808, But Flat Since February
The average Warwick district home reached £372,922 in June, up £16,808 in a year and the fastest rise in Warwickshire. It is still £684 below February's level.
Leamington Spa
Leamington Wood Burner Rules: 6 Options, Closes 5 October
Warwick District Council wants views on widening smoke control beyond the four town centres. Six options, fines of £175 to £300, and comments close 5 October.
Warwick
Warwick 20mph Petition Closes 31 August On 252 Names
The Spinney Hill and Greville Road petition closes Monday 31 August. It has passed the 50 names that force a council reply, 748 short of a council meeting.
Kenilworth
Kenilworth 550 Homes: Consultation Closed, Nothing Filed Yet
Catesby's consultation on 550 Green Belt homes at Kenilworth closed on 20 September. No outline application was on the council's register as at 24 September.
Leamington Spa
Warwick District: Under-25 Jobless Claims Up 21% in a Year
Under-25 claims rose 21% in a year, against 10% across the UK, and drove half the district's increase. Leamington Brunswick has the highest rate at 3.6%.
Events
Tour of Britain Leamington: roads shut from 4am Sunday
Newbold Terrace and Euston Place close at 4am on Sunday 23 August, the Parade twice. Full closure times, race ETAs through Kenilworth and where to watch.
Planning
Emscote Old Wharf flats appeal dismissed: offices must stay
A planning inspector has dismissed Faxton Ltd's appeal to turn four unsold canalside offices at Emscote Old Wharf, Warwick, into flats. Marketed since 2022, no offers, still refused. Here is why.
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle dog walk 17 Sept: £6.50, £5.25 to charity
The Mayor of Warwick's Paws for a Good Cause opens Warwick Castle's grounds to dogs on Thursday 17 September, 4.30pm to 6.30pm. £6.50 a ticket, £5.25 of it to two charities. The rules and how to book.
Leamington Spa Station
Leamington station doors: strict rules on oak replicas
Warwick councillors approved replica oak doors at Leamington station on 11 August, after four originals were scrapped without consent. The conditions added.
Victoria Park
National Bowls Finals: 42 events at Victoria Park to 30 Aug
The National Bowls Finals run at Victoria Park until 30 August: 42 competitions on five greens. Tickets, parking and the 2027 world championship.