Hannah Griffiths

Several locks at Warwickshire’s Hatton Locks have been temporarily closed after the driest July on record caused water levels to fall too low for boats. The closure affects the upper half of the 21-lock flight and is linked to a pump problem at Camp Hill locks and reduced water supply from the North Stratford Canal. The Canal & River Trust hopes to reopen the locks on Saturday if repairs are completed, while boat-hire companies stress that much of the wider canal network remains open.

Young entrepreneurs across Warwickshire are preparing to showcase their products at the Teenage Market in Warwick, an initiative supported by local councils to boost footfall and provide real-world business experience. Children as young as nine will sell handmade items including body butter, T-shirts, jewellery and keyrings. Organisers and council officials highlight the markets' role in fostering community engagement and developing entrepreneurial skills among young people.

The first phase of Elizabeth Park has opened, forming part of a larger plan to create a traffic‑free green corridor between Warwick and Leamington Spa. Funded through a developer agreement tied to redevelopment of the former council offices at Riverside House, the project aims to link Victoria Park and Saint Nicholas Park. Local officials emphasised the importance of public access to nature, with later phases expected to relocate Edmondscote athletics track and potentially enable open water swimming once river improvements progress. Homes England is overseeing site clearance and has invested substantially to deliver community infrastructure ahead of new housing construction.

A closed multi-storey car park in Coventry continues to be used by drivers despite its operator, National Car Parks, collapsing in March 2026 and the site officially shutting in April. With no security in place, the facility shows signs of vandalism, litter and drug use. Coventry City Council, which owns the freehold, says security responsibilities lie with the head leaseholder and NCP under lease terms and is seeking legal advice on potential enforcement. PwC, acting as NCP’s administrators, stated that the property has been offered back to the head leaseholder, who would typically be expected to secure and maintain it.

A trainee sports psychologist from Warwickshire is cycling 5,000 km from Mexico City to New York within the duration of the World Cup, aiming to complete the journey before the final. Facing heat, punctures, and long days, he documents his progress online and credits help from people along his route. The challenge raises funds for the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably, which previously supported him, and has already generated more than £5,600.

A fashion show at Coventry Cathedral highlights the importance of organ donation within South Asian communities, featuring participants who have received or donated organs. Stories from individuals such as Shaista Dagia and Prafula Shah underscore the life-changing impact of transplants and the persistent need for increased awareness and donor participation. The event, organised by the South Asian Heritage Trust, aims to open conversations around cultural and religious myths and encourage more people to consider donation.

A new swimming pool at Abbey Fields in Kenilworth opened after six months of delays and an £8m cost increase prompted by the discovery of medieval building remains. The redesigned structure, raised above the archaeological findings under Historic England’s guidance, cost £22.6m. Councillor Jim Sinnott said the upgraded facilities, including two pools and enhanced accessibility features, would impress visitors, though campaigners remain disappointed by the loss of the outdoor lido. An open weekend is offering free swimming sessions as the public reviews the new site.

A Stratford-upon-Avon men’s mental health group received a £40,000 grant from the Stratford Town Trust to expand its woodland-based support sessions. Founder Jonathan Toney said the funding will cover running costs, boost outreach efforts, and strengthen early intervention support, with local GPs and Stratford Hospital now able to refer men through social prescribing. Established in 2025, the group has grown steadily and meets weekly at Welcombe Hills with support from local councils and the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. The new funding is expected to secure the group’s long-term future and enable significant growth over the next two years.

A 16-year-old from Long Marston with tricuspid atresia is pursuing his ambition to run a YouTube gaming channel, which provides connection despite his limited mobility and ongoing palliative care. His parents describe the channel as giving him purpose, and a community fundraising effort has raised over £3,000 toward replacing his failing laptop, drawing an overwhelmingly supportive response.