Home   News   Article THE new owners of a fish and chip shop in Wellesbourne are excited to open what they say will be a “traditional fish bar” Nilgun Sensoy and her husband have opened The Flying Chippy on Warwick Road in the village With plenty of experience in what has become a family business over the years Nilgun told the Herald that the long wait to open is over and that the local community has been looking forward to it too When the Facebook page for the new business was launched Nilgun said that they received 500 followers within a day The couple got the property last year and have spent several months renovating They are now ready and doors to the chip shop opened last week “It’s a very old building and there’s also a house attached to it,” Nilgun said all the walls stripped down to the brick and had it all fully renovated “We’re excited to be open and to service Wellesbourne and the surrounding communities It’s been a long process with a lot of restoration so we’re happy to have our doors open now.” Running a fish and chip shop is a real family affair and Nilgun said that this goes back decades She added: “We’ve been in the fish and chip shop business for a while I sort of grew up in it and then my husband came over here after we married and then he started in it I know everything’s getting a bit fancy and posh nowadays Last time we were trading four years ago in a chip shop in Solihull it was paper and now it’s all eco-friendly containers so it's all a bit new to us.” The local community have been eagerly anticipating the shop’s opening and Nilgun said the online interest has been just as strong “Since we’ve been working in the shop since last August ‘Is it going to be a chip shop again?’ If I’m walking through the door ‘When are you opening?’ They’ve been very excited “I opened the Facebook page without any advertisement and we got 500 followers within a day because I wasn’t sure when we’d actually be open We didn’t want to not impress people by not being ready and well equipped for it The impression we got is that they’re very excited “We’ve had a few questions about the name while we named it The Flying Chippy This is related to the airfield which is obviously one of the big attractions around here.” Nilgun added that the Vulcan Fish Bar was also considered influenced by the large Vulcan bomber that is a fixture of Wellesbourne Airfield Sparks literally flew with the opening of Chedham’s Yard last weekend The former Wellesbourne wheelwrights gives a fascinating glimpse into skills and crafts from days gone by The forge was a highlight for many visitors where blacksmith Carl Swanson demonstrated some of the near-magical things that can be done with a hammer And the sparks really flew when he created a vibrant display that illuminated the dark forge - beautifully captured by Herald lensman Mark Williamson Mr Swanson explained: “Making sparks on this scale isn’t something that blacksmiths would normally aim to do in the course of their work Photographic groups come specially for the opportunity to capture this spectacular moment It takes skill and concentration to make it happen - and extra hot metal.” Chedham’s Yard opened its gates on Saturday to enthusiastic Easter egg hunters Children followed a trail around the historic wheelwright’s yard to seek out Easter bunnies and nests of eggs the Yard welcomed 130 visitors to its first opening of the year Adults were just as enthusiastic to discover the unusual site - hidden away in Wellesbourne - with its workshops full of the old tools and equipment left by five generations of the Chedham family New additions to the collection of gifts for sale They included wood-turned egg cups made by Tony Bright and souvenirs made out of clinker from the forge created by Margaret Taylor Tour guide Janet Hall said: ‘It is so good to be open again and see people from the local area and further afield enjoy this site as much as we volunteers do The way the wheelwrights and blacksmiths used to work in the yard in the past seems to become more and more intriguing to visitors as time moves on.’ The yard is open, entry free, every Saturday 11am to 4pm with a last entry at 3.30pm. Its 2025 programme of 25 Saturday events, led by invited experts, ranges from wheelwrighting skills to saving hedgehogs and from long bow making to a family fun day. Further information is available from www.chedhamsyard.org.uk CHAOTIC scenes as visitors flocked to Wellesbourne Christmas market have left residents in the village fuming As shoppers rushed to snap-up festive gifts and treats at the Wellesbourne Airfield site the misery started at 8.30am and lasted until 3.30pm with the worst affected routes including Newbold Road Ettington Road and Kineton Road and all roundabouts were seen beeping their horns and swearing Many frustrated residents found themselves ‘penned in’ and unable to leave the village or even their homes in some cases Others said it took them an hour to drive a distance that would normally take five minutes One woman missed a funeral due to the chaos while another failed to make it to an expensive music lesson There was also irritation at visitors abandoning their cars on grass verges things calmed down for the most recent markets but it raised the question about general traffic management on market days reported that it was “relatively quiet” on Saturday [21st December] and the extra event on Monday [23rd December] But she said: “On the last Saturday in November the traffic was horrendous and totally unacceptable “Visitors who’d come for the market were parked in every side street and there was a solid line of cars stuck in a traffic jam outside our house “All the roads leading into and out of the village were blocked –buses were held up ambulances couldn’t get through and none of us who live here could go anywhere.” She added: “I wouldn’t want to see the market go but there needs to be much better management both on and off the site “Some of the problem is caused by pedestrians having to cross the road and that leads to the traffic being held up “Someone told me the problem’s got worse because the market’s been advertised on TikTok and we’ve got people coming from all over the country.” county councillor Penny-Anne O’Donnell (Con Wellesbourne) said following feedback from residents and ‘doorstep discussions’ she “pushed for Warwickshire County Council to meet with the market owners” She added: “It was agreed that the owners would engage with a specialist traffic management company to develop an updated traffic management plan “Such measures are the responsibility of the business “A specific group including local stakeholders and police has also been formed around future mitigation measures.” The future of the market is in doubt as there are plans This would include more space for businesses a realigned runway and a new R&D park in one corner EMERGENCY services were at the Charlecote crossroads this afternoon (Tuesday) following a collision believed to have been between a car and a large van The A429 between Wellesbourne and Stratford was closed and the air ambulance was in attendance along with police and the fire service A spokesperson for West Midlands Ambulance Service told the Herald: “At 12.50pm we were called to reports of an RTC at the junction of Charlecote Road and Stratford Road near Wellesbourne two paramedic officers and the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance were sent to the scene where crews discovered a van and a car had been involved in a collision “A woman from the car was treated for serious injuries and the driver was treated for potentially serious injuries before both were conveyed via land ambulance to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire Home   What's On   Article much more will be providing some September entertainment at Wellesbourne’s summer fair tomorrow (Saturday) There will also be an exhibition in the Sports and Community Centre of what Wellesbourne’s clubs and organisations have to offer the dog show starts at noon (entries open at 11am) Free parking is available in the car park next to the village hall in School Road and there is parking for the disabled in the Sports and Community Centre MEMBERS of Wellesbourne Wheelers Cycling Club got together for their ten-year anniversary ride on Thursday (27th February) Four groups involving 38 members rode out in celebration of the club reaching the special landmark They set off at two-minute intervals from 10.30am on a 23-mile route typical of the early days.” Club founder Gary Gristwood told the Herald: “The event saw the club recreate their early days when rides in the first year invariably included a ‘sandwiches and chips’ buffet lunch at the Stag’s Head in Wellesbourne “Ride groups arrived back at the Stag’s Head from midday onwards and there was a great social atmosphere of togetherness at a venue which sadly burnt down a few years ago but has come back stronger than ever and re-established itself as a key focal point of social activities in the village “The Stag’s Head more than played their part in making the day a success with their very kind gesture of charging 2015 prices for the buffet at £3.50 per head.” Wellesbourne Wheelers was founded by Gary and his wife Bobbie in 2015 after “ trudging round Wellesbourne in January of that year putting posters on all the village notice boards asking if people wanted to form a cycling group for Thursday ride” “I’d taken early retirement in 2014 and wanted to cycle midweek with a group of like minded individuals,” explained Gary The club quickly grew in popularity and started offering Tuesday and Sunday rides as well as summer outings and cycling holidays – which has seen the group head to Cyprus and Majorca Gary added: “Wellesbourne Wheelers is 10 years old and still going strong come and join us and be part of our exciting second decade.” Find out more at www.wellesbourne-wheelers.org.uk FAMILIES in Wellesbourne have been left shocked and worried shared open green spaces on their housing development were advertised for sale as “suitable as a house plot” or “the travelling community” was listed on Rightmove and Zoopla for £8,000 and snapped up by a private buyer before an auction Another L-shaped open space plot that runs down the side of Daniell Road and across the back of Hopkins Way was also marketed touting other possible uses as “a location for a portable home” Residents living nearby were also sent letters by Rubislaw The letter says the public open space land could be used to “expand your garden” “create parking space/development potential” and has “potential for home extension” was sent a Rubislaw letter offering to sell her one of the plots She said: “It’s obviously designed as a nice bit of green space so we’re not all living on top of each other and we’ve got room to walk our dogs “Some were of the opinion that as it’s obviously green space for the community no one will ever be allowed to build on it’ but others of us were not so confident and had no idea what the status of the land was We were all very concerned that it could be possible for Rubislaw to sell the land to a developer On the auction site they had it advertised as potential development land and behind me there could be a 20-foot block of flats She added: “Part of my worry was that people would buy up plots of land to save them from potential development but you never know what happens in years to come ‘Why am I keeping this land and having to mow it when I’m not getting private use of it?’ and start fencing it in “It was reassuring to find out we wouldn’t be allowed to fence it in without planning permission.” was another who received a Rubislaw letter offering him the chance to buy a bit of land next to his home for £7,000 He said the letter alarmed his wife Margaret: “It claimed we could do all manner of things with the land – build on it or extend our garden It’s only about 40 square metres and covered with trees and bushes – there’s nothing we could do with it at all and yet they were asking £7,000 I’ll say: ‘You should offer me money to take the responsibility off your hands’ because they’re supposed to be mowing it and maintaining it’ We won’t buy it and I don’t think there’s anyone else stupid enough in Wellesbourne to do so.” Wellesbourne and Walton Parish Council clerk Lynda Scrivens said the council has been trying to buy the open space plots since 2001 She’s been dealing with Greenbelt Holdings and has a string of emails from representatives with Greenbelt email addresses and signatures Parish council chairwoman Ann Prior described the situation as “very frustrating” and “a surprise” and confirmed the council has allocated funds to buy the green spaces She said: “The whole time we have been in negotiation We had agreed a price with them and were surprised to find that it had been sold elsewhere “The first we knew of it was when the residents came with a letter they’d received about buying land adjacent to their house.” At a meeting of the council on 18th February residents were reassured that although the sales are legal whoever buys a patch of land would not be able to build on it or even fence it in without planning permission as the land is under section 106 agreement and therefore change of use would be needed Cllr Prior added: “We did say to residents they should consider carefully that that is the case We did try to give residents the best advice we could when they got the letters but there was nothing that we could do about it It is perfectly possible for open spaces to be sold deputy leader of Stratford District Council told the Herald: “It’s disgraceful that they’re being misled in this way because it’s quite clear in planning terms that this is public open space which can’t be developed or built on and for any person trying to sell the land claiming that they’re really doing it under false pretences.” He added: “Planning has no control over the ownership of land You can sell bits of land from one to another and this is why we do not want these management companies ever involved again utter nightmare and we have very little control “It would have been so much better if this public open space had been conveyed to the parish council who would have held it on behalf of the community and we wouldn’t have had these shenanigans because the council now has a policy on all new sites that we will not be involving management companies.” who confirmed they became involved on the site in 2003 They said that in 2010 ownership passed to GEL (now Growing Estates Ltd) which Greenbelt describes as “in all respects a completely separate entity” In a statement sent the Greenbelt Group claimed: “The local parish council had the chance on behalf of residents to take on land areas but chose not to proceed were residents ever required to contribute financially to maintenance GEL (now Growing Estates Ltd) had full responsibility for ensuring the areas were maintained again without imposing any costs on the local community Growing Estates Ltd sold the areas to current owners Rubislaw Estates Ltd we cannot comment on any particular aspect of the recent advertising of land for sale the land would have to be sold with all existing use and title restrictions.” The Herald has contacted Rubislaw for comment A FORMER ambulance technician from Wellesbourne has been jailed for 25 years for child sex offences was sentenced today (16th April) at Worcester Crown Court having previously pleaded guilty to: attempted rape of a child under 13 two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 by penetration two counts of sexual assault of a child under 13 three counts of taking indecent photographs/pseudo-photographs of a child and three counts of making indecent photographs / pseudo-photographs of a child with a minimum custodial sentence of 12 years and placed on the sex offenders register for life Andrews was arrested in December last year after an allegation of sexual assault against a child A West Mercia police investigation uncovered video footage and thousands of indecent images on his phone Images found on his phone included 765 category A images 829 category B images and 5388 category C images Andrews formerly worked as an ambulance technician for East Midlands Ambulance Service in the Northamptonshire area between July 2015 and December 2024 One of the category C images was taken while he was on duty Det Chief Insp Ben Arrowsmith from West Mercia Police said: “This is a sickening case involving offences of the upmost seriousness committed by someone who was entrusted to provide care to people at their most vulnerable time “For those involved and their families we do not underestimate how distressing or difficult it may be to hear about his crimes “We want to thank those involved in the case for their bravery and preventing others from suffering further harm from his actions “We want to reassure anyone impacted that there is support available We will continue to work with our partners and neighbouring police forces to fully understand the impact of this crime and help those affected.” Located directly opposite Brighton’s largest green space Wellesbourne will be welcoming residents before the end of the year Please be aware that by proceeding you are purchasing a professional pesticide product You must ensure the end user of these products complies with the DEFRA/HSE Code for the Safe use of Pesticides: everyone who uses pesticides professionally must have received adequate training in using pesticides safely and be skilled in the job they are carrying out.\" More information can be found here {{product.title}} has higher risk to be damaged during the shipping by ground We would suggest you to choose any airmail carrier service available and that’s the approach behind Willow Turf Care offering a cricket groundsmanship service to clubs in the Midlands Richie Woodmason cut his teeth in Australia benefitting from training by Philip Petrievich After roles as head curator at Willerton District and Western Suburbs cricket clubs ending up as assistant head groundsman at Trent Bridge just before Covid “I was made redundant after Covid and eventually decided to become self-employed,” he explains “There’s a growing number of clubs who are struggling to find part-time groundsmen or volunteers who have the skills or time to help with grounds maintenance.” Wellesbourne Cricket Club in Warwickshire is a good example expanding village near Stratford-Upon-Avon the club is part of a community sports association whose ground is also home to the bowls club and Wellesbourne Wanderers FC Richie Woodmason (left) and Chris Calcott - an experienced partnership working together for cricket With history tracing back to the early 19th century it’s one of the oldest clubs in Warwickshire and indeed may have been the original base of the county cricket club the 1st XI play in the Cotswold Hills League Premier Division – the club was a founder member of the league The 2nd XI are in Cotswold League Division Three; there’s also a senior friendly on a Sunday There’s a burgeoning junior section which includes the ECB All Stars and Dynamos programmes Chairman Phil Rothwell comments: “We have approximately 250 junior members and most of our senior teams have come up through the junior ranks We’ve also invested nearly £225,000 in recent years to improve the clubhouse facilities for cricketing and social use.” A strip being prepared after five passes with the brush; poa makes it difficult to get the leaf to dry out a final cut and sweep up and it’s ready to water and sheet Willow Turf Care took over at Wellesbourne at the end of 2022 after two volunteer groundsmen suffered ill health and one sadly passed away “Richie had previously approached us about doing our end of season renovations and I’d kept his details so could discuss the possibility of a contract package,” recalls Phil and I felt we could get full value from his services.” who looks after a couple of Warwickshire clubs alongside Richie and has worked at Cheltenham College and Adelaide Cricket Club “There are 13 strips in total – nine for seniors and four for juniors,” Chris explains “The top seven have been down some fifty years with the rest added on as the club has expanded.” The pair describe the handover at the club as ‘seamless’ with a supportive committee headed up by Phil but Richie Woodmason is also investing in kit to make work such as renovations more efficient “There’s always plenty of help to put sheets on and they do it precisely to Chris’s instructions,” says Richie “The main challenge is that the club is so busy there were 26 fixtures in 30 days; 20 is normal and the teams also train on a Thursday.” is on sandy soil – unusual for the mainly clay county and Chris describes it as being in two halves “It dries out quickly – after 6-7mm of rain in the morning Willow Turf Care’s contract runs from April to September so Phil and his team of volunteers care for the ground over winter also taking on pre-season rolling and fertiliser application “Juniors play on the bottom four strips and the coaches are happy to use the markings and accommodate us in looking after them,” comments Chris and we treat it slightly differently because of the wear it receives leaving more grass on to get it through the season.” There are 13 strips in total which get plenty of use – the month of June seeing 26 matches The spirit of co-operation is even more important in the peak of the season when Richie can be looking after up to seven clubs with a team of three or four groundsmen “I’m always aiming to offer a premium service but the premium products offer the best value and results.” Thus he kicks of the season with ICL Renovator and Coldstart to give the pitch a boost in April “We’ll use a liquid iron feed to harden up in a wet spring and then feed once a month.” Investment in machinery has come from both client and contractor with Wellesbourne CC adding a new Powerroll for this season The square came out of a tough winter well – it is seen here in April 2024 “You can’t beat Powerroll for customer service and it was a competitive price,” comments Richie “It’s easy to maintain with a proven Honda engine and straightforward enough for the volunteers to use effectively – up to 15 different people can be on the seat through the season.” “We can brush with the Sisis 30-40 times over a two-week period and early season rolling is vital as they dry out so quickly.” aiming for a 7mm cut height by the Friday before a fixture “We’ll get down to 15mm in the last couple of weeks before the season - or may back off to 17-18mm if it turns wet - and can be cutting twice a week as it grows so quickly and it’s essential to take out lateral growth pre-season.” At a time when environmental issues are coming under the spotlight Richie is keeping an open mind on options such as electric mowers “You can still see downsides such as the environmental impact of battery disposal but it has to be under consideration if that is what the client wants.” Chris adds that while watering will always be a key part of cricket pitch preparation the club committee are fully conversant with the need to put sheets down to help conserve water which backs onto the community centre and gym an important resource for the 250 junior members points out Richie; Willow Turf Care’s contract is Monday-Friday with the club making final preparations such as removing covers “We have a What’s app group which includes the senior captains and coaches we’ll post a pitch report and that includes clear guidance on what needs to be done by the volunteers It avoids mistakes and ensures that everyone is kept informed which is especially important when there is a Saturday and two Sunday matches We have a great relationship with Phil and his committee.” renovations aim to get the pitch ready for the next year “I use a Sisis TM1000 scarifier and how that machine copes and what comes out tells me a lot about the state of the strips,” explains Richie but we got really good results with lots of grass cover over winter with the sward going into spring thick and dense That wasn’t the case everywhere last winter and it stood us in good stead for this season.” fertilising with Evolution and topdressing with K-loam which has seen considerable investment to improve it for cricket and social use in recent years “You’ve got to get the timing right for seeding – if there’s no rain for a couple of weeks If you get a downpour in the second or third week of September The pair are already planning ahead for autumn at Wellesbourne – Chris would like to have it Koroed and apply glyphosate to get rid of the poa plus there are some ends that he’d like to get flatter “We’re progressing all the time – we’ll have two tractors and scarifiers for the autumn plus I’ve got a Toro Workman coming which could have a topdresser fitted and which will make it all a lot quicker,” says Richie He comments that this spring has seen a wide variety of conditions at different grounds depending on their location – with cold soils and poorer grass growth at some of the more southern clubs “Every year is different and brings a new set of problems It’s great to have Chris to bounce ideas off and between us we have a lot of experience.” Pitch standards are clearly very important to them both “We want to provide the best possible surface for every game The youth coaches are always very complimentary and youth fixtures are an excellent shop window for our services as the coaches from other clubs tend to travel with their teams.” as Phil says: “There’s tremendous demand for cricket which we’d like to meet with more junior games but to do that you need to have the right maintenance in place It’s made a possibility by having professional groundsmen who can prepare the strips in the week rather than a volunteer groundsman rushing to do them on the evening before we may dedicate more tracks to junior cricket as so many games are played on them and we’ve got the resources now in place to do that.” © 2025 Agrovista UK Ltd - Pitchcare is a trading name of Agrovista UK Ltd Company number: 3525529 - VAT number: 595495381 We’ve all been there – you go to the cashpoint only to find there’s no money in your account In this case thieves left empty-handed after their attempts to steal the whole ATM at the Sainsbury’s in Wellesbourne proved futile The culprits left the scene looking as though a giant can-opener had run amok when they made a getaway earlier this month A Wellesbourne officer reported: “At about 11pm on 5th January the alarm for a cash machine at a supermarket went off after it was damaged in what was believed to be an attempt to access the money inside of it A spokesperson for Sainsbury’s added: “An incident took place at our Wellesbourne store earlier this month and we’re supporting the police with their investigation “We are working to get the ATM up and running again as soon as possible and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.” The supermarket’s cash machine was previously stolen in a raid in 2018 when two men were later found with the ATM and arrested Bollards in front of the supermarket now prevent vehicles from driving up to the cashpoint If anyone has any information that could help with the police investigation of the latest incident they can report online at www.warwickshire.police.uk/ report or by calling 101 citing incident four of 6th January POPPIES will once again cascade from St Peter’s Church tower in Wellesbourne following the success of last year’s stunning installation which is 21m tall and 5m wide at the bottom includes 3,104 knitted and crocheted poppies and last year attracted thousands of visitors who lives in Wellesbourne and has been organising the project said: “Following on from the success of the cascade last year everyone wanted to see the poppies again and so our Wednesday Crafternoon group has been working hard to bring it back to life.” After the cascade was taken down last year it had to be dried and repaired before being stored away the craft group has also been busy adding to the display Kate added: “The project was a huge amount of fun last year and brought many people together in the community Some great friendships were formed and the Wednesday Crafternoon group started so that we could keep meeting up “We are all very excited for everyone to come along and enjoy the amazing installations once more.” As well as the decorations around the village there will be displays of poppies in St Peter’s Church and the Methodist Church in Bridge Street and will remain in place until 16th November The idea started as a post on Facebook from Barn Farm Camping said the scheme took off and they have had a good response to the sessions so it's really good for them," she added Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Driver pursued by police did 75mph with child in backDemetrious Nikoloau has been jailed for his actions, recorded on police video. Booze heist burglars ram cars in HGV chaseTwo police officers were injured in a lorry chase spanning several counties. Skydiving pensioner raises £5k in memory of sonJohn Cassidy completes the jump for an air ambulance charity after his son died following a crash. Parents demand apology over councillors' SEND viewsParents are left angry after councillors made disparaging remarks during a meeting. Rare view inside mothballed swimming bathsOnce described as one of Europe's best pools, Coventry Central Baths closed in 2020. Statue unveiled in new peace gardenIt was designed by an artist who said it was based on intertwined trees he saw from a caravan in Wales. Guide dog brothers reunited after nine years apartBrothers Carlo and Chips were reunited in a Coventry park after working separately as Guide Dogs. 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Drone footage shows HS2 work through West MidlandsDrone footage shows the project in Warwickshire, Birmingham and Staffordshire. Siblings celebrate 20 years since kidney transplantMichelle Bingham received a kidney from her brother thanks to pioneering treatment in 2003. Coventry City fan's haul of memorabiliaTony Pedley runs a store in Coventry which has a dedicated section for Sky Blues memorabilia. Luton Town-mad Nick Owen on his Sky Blues soft spotThe teams play for a chance to return to the Premier League, leaving the BBC presenter with mixed feelings. Argentine Sky Blues fan hopes to go to WembleyLauti Murguia says he has "no words" to describe Coventry City making it to the Championship play-off final. says it was an idea which took off online.","thumbnailUrl":["https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1920x1080/p0kd1x77.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1232x1232/p0kd1x77.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/688xn/p0kd1x77.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/400xn/p0kd1x77.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2024-12-23T06:13:42.920Z","duration":"PT1M28S"}Goat yoga takes off for farm after Facebook appealThis video can not be played CloseA farmer says they have had an excellent response to a new mindfulness service they launched this year - goat yoga Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, external, X, external and Instagram, external Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreGoat yoga takes off for farm after Facebook appeal 00:01:28Goat yoga takes off for farm after Facebook appeal 1:28Up Next 00:01:00No kidding: Goat yoga arrives in UK 1:00'At one with nature - but nervous a goat may stand on me' Video 00:01:39'At one with nature - but nervous a goat may stand on me' 1:39Editor's recommendationsWatch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 00:01:40Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 1:40Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 00:01:25Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 1:25Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video 00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster 1:21'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 1:20Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 2:54Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 1:32Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 1:11Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 0:50Ros Atkins on.. What's in the US-Ukraine resources deal 1:23Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 00:01:18Kamala Harris hits out at Trump in first major speech since losing election 1:18Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released 00:00:46Watch: Moment Columbia student Mohsen Mahdawi is released has been missing from her home in Wellesbourne since Tuesday morning (23rd July) 5ft 3in tall with shoulder length blonde hair She is possibly wearing grey combat trousers with grey hoodie and white trainers If you know where Imogen might be or can help find us you can contact us citing Incident 269 of 23 July: A WELLESBOURNE man was almost three times over the drink-drive limit when he crashed his car hitting a lamppost and getting the vehicle stuck in a drain Warwickshire Police said Iount Stefan Pasarica was arrested on 12th October following the crash in Chestnut Square At Leamington Magistrates’ Court on 1st November he was sentenced to 80 hours community work banned from driving for 25 months and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge Pasarica was among five drink-drivers in Warwickshire who to appear before magistrates this week who was sentenced to 60 hours of community work and banned from driving for 40 months for drink-driving and driving without a licence He was also ordered to pay £85 costs and £114 victim surcharge He was arrested on 12th October in Paynes Lane after he failed a roadside breath test Thirty-six year old Kristopher Goodridge-Smith was arrested on 11th October when he was involved in a two vehicle collision on the A46 near Stoneleigh Tests later found he was over twice the legal drink-drive limit He was sentenced to a community order with a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement and disqualified from driving for 36 months He was also fined £200 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £114 victim surcharge Leamington was stopped in his car by officers in Beauchamp Avenue He was sentenced to 60 hours unpaid work and banned from driving for 24 months was arrested just after midnight on 11th October at the Junction 10 M42 and A5 roundabout after the car he was driving collided with street furniture and a lorry He was sentenced to a 20-day supervised rehabilitation activity requirement and banned from driving for 24 months He was also ordered to pay £200 costs and £114 victim surcharge Insp Si Paull said: “These drivers thought they could get away with drinking and driving in some cases they were two or three times over the limit and three drivers were involved in collisions putting themselves and other road users at risk “Sadly as an officer I see at first hand the devastation that collisions can cause to families and that’s why we are committed to catching drink and drug drivers like these and putting them before the courts as soon as possible so that their licences can be removed.” A WELLESBOURNE boy is now like “a different child” according to brothers who are helping him get fit Jacob Whitmore has become the subject of viral videos showing his journey to get fit and beat bullies The 10-year-old has been working with Joe and Harry Freeman who are boxers and fitness experts and also co-founders of Boxwave which focuses on healthy lifestyle and eating A fundraiser to help buy fitness equipment for Jacob was set at £250 The brothers became aware of Jacob through his granddad After discovering Jacob was getting bullied and had quit playing football The workout videos have got thousands of views on Youtube alone Several others have had in the region of 20,000 views Harry said: “My brother and I were doing free live workouts across social media platforms and we had quite a lot of success through the summer We used to get whole families involved and get some videos on our TikTok of the whole family doing it “We noticed a lot of the adults were struggling with consistency If you can build these habits at a young age you stand a better chance of sticking into it So we were looking at putting a kids class on “Jacob’s grandad lives three doors down from us We spoke to him about a month or two ago and he mentioned about Jacob getting bullied and not playing football anymore “We were looking into doing some boxing and stuff with him but then we thought we should get him on the workouts with us on our channel We trained him for about a week and it then just went completely viral.” There has been a distinct change in Jacob over the weeks as Harry added: “We put a video out this week and you can just see how much he’s changed He’s full of confidence just like a different kid He doesn’t play on his computer as much and he’s just full of life “We’ve been on it for a year saying the same message and it’s almost sparked a national movement where hundreds and thousands of kids are messaging us and parents all wanting to get involved “We’ve been contacted by so many parents and we know that so many children are in Jacob’s position because they feature on our channel now “Jacob’s is our main journey but there are going to be lots of journeys featuring other children who need the same help and support.” Harry pointed out that Boxwave can be a social media channel that children can positively get involved with He said: “Our message at the minute is kind of keeping it simple We understand parents have mixed opinions with their kids being on social media a lot of them are on it and if they’re following channels like Boxwave smoke and applause concluded a day of wheelmaking last Saturday at Chedham’s Yard Visitors witnessed all stages of the traditional skill of assembling a wooden wheel and then fitting it with a metal hoop - as it would have been done by the Chedham family who set up their business in Wellesbourne 200 years ago and then the outer rim or ‘felloes’ fitted to the spokes a strip of metal was bent into a circle using an old ‘tyre former’ the open ends of the hoop were welded or ‘shut’ in the Victorian forge The metal hoop was then heated on a bonfire to red hot before being carefully lifted with long tongs and positioned on the wooden wheel clamped to a ‘tyring platform’ amidst flames from the cartwheel and clouds of smoke the hot metal hoop was quenched with water so that it shrunk and tightened on the wheel This was the first time in several years that the Yard had recreated this almost-forgotten - and dramatic - way of making a wheel And it was also a first for the volunteers who had to learn the skills Derek Apps who led the event explained: “We have most of the old tools and equipment on site needed to make a wheel though none of us had actually done it before But after spending several weeks researching and reading about the techniques and some trial and error it worked very well but we clearly do not have the skills of the wheelwrights and blacksmiths of the past.” a Ukrainian journalist who fled to safety in Wellesbourne from the war in her country examines how it is to be Ukrainian at the anniversary of the Russian invasion One day I dream of returning to my home country But as we pass the third anniversary that seems further away than ever On 24th February we mark the anniversary of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine a sombre silence descends when Ukrainians broach the topic of war among themselves Because it reminds us of someone loved we lost; everyone is worried about loved ones serving in the army and dealing with a shortage of soldiers Our lives are still on hold because we have no future plans “Every day I feel grateful to our soldiers The news talks about a shortage of soldiers but what feels even more worrying is the pressure from the US to make a peace deal at any cost We’ve lost too many lives fighting to stay sovereign and to live the way we choose I fear that if Trump ends support for Ukraine we’ll be forced into a deal – and in a few years Russia could take over all of Ukraine and push further “We see Russia is not dropping its plan to capture all of Ukraine Ukraine has no way but to fight back to stay independent and not become a Russian colony again.” A MAN who was caught on his way to Wellesbourne Market with counterfeit clothing accessories and electrical items has been jailed was sentenced on 2nd January to four-and-a-half years in prison at Birmingham Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to a charge of conspiracy to counterfeiting It followed an investigation by National Trading Standards officers who twice seized counterfeit goods from Shafiq The first occasion was in January 2019 from a warehouse he rented in Digbeth there were also trademarked labels and machinery to apply the labels onto ‘plain’ items Shafiq was caught driving a van load of counterfeit goods from Coventry to Wellesbourne Market who has previous convictions for similar offences the judge described the activity as “organised crime” and “counterfeiting on an industrial scale” Good found include fake Beats by Dre headphones and Stone Island jackets said: “Counterfeiting misleads consumers into parting with hard-earned money for fake products but the practice also puts victims at risk of even greater harm than financial loss fake electrical goods can be a fire hazard perfumes and beauty products can contain harmful ingredients as criminals don’t care about safety standards.” Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a road traffic collision in Loxley Close The incident happened around 5.30pm to 6pm when a vehicle believed to be a white VW Polo or VW Golf collided with a young teenager on a bicycle at the rear of Co-operative supermarket It was reported the female driver stopped at the scene but then drove away Police are now trying to identify the driver The victim sustained minor injuries from this collision Anyone who has information or dashcam footage that may assist with enquiries are asked to please contact Warwickshire Police by emailing Trafficcpo@warwickshire.police.uk quoting collision reference 1460985 or contacting 101 quoting reference 283 of 14 June 2024 THE University of Warwick’s Innovation Centre at Wellesbourne could get a £550 million investment to turn it into a world-leading research campus which is currently home to around 20 businesses could provide more than 4,100 jobs and an estimated economic output of £1.43 billion The huge figures are contained in the university’s outline planning application which has been submitted to Stratford District Council While environment and sustainability form a massive part of the development proposals the key points in the plans would allow for the development of up to 280,000sq m of laboratory offices and light industrial floorspace as well as units for retail There would also be three multi-storey car parks While much of that is agricultural land for research Many of those buildings would be demolished and replaced as the built-on campus would be extended to around 47.5ha (117 acres) The planning documents place a lot of importance on the open spaces and landscaping with the aim of being sustainable and achieving biodiversity net gain They add: “The campus landscape will play an important part in creating a sense of place and community and attracting the best researchers The landscape should reflect and showcase the research and innovation taking place on the campus and support the development of innovation hubs providing outdoor opportunities for the exchange of ideas and knowledge between the university and industry partners.” At the heart of the campus will be a village centre which will be built around a barn which has been on the site since at least 1848 and will be retained The village centre is where the campus facilities and hotel will be located along with a central square and green Elsewhere different zones of the campus will have different design codes for buildings with shorter buildings closer to the western boundaries and larger – up to four storeys high – towards the central and eastern parts of the site Innovation hubs will also be built to “promote interaction synergy and collaboration between organisations within the different zones and users of the campus in general” The documents add: “Through showcase spaces the network of hubs across the campus will be open to all encouraging interactions to take place – while still maintaining privacy within the dedicated areas for each collaborator/ tenant throughout the campus.” The main hub would be an interchange for transportation bikes and car pools/clubs while smaller mobility hubs would be built around the campus to provide areas where e-bikes or e-scooters could be charged Around 2,000 parking spaces would be created on-site in the multi-storeys but there could also be parking off-site at railway stations with buses carrying workers to the campus While this would help lessen some of the impact on the local roads – the site is located off the A429 – the extra traffic was raised as a concern by locals during pre-planning consultations The university says its plans will mitigate the amount of cars heading to the site as parking would be charged and car sharing would be encouraged and incentivised There are also plans to upgrade cycling networks The documents acknowledge that new traffic lights at the site’s entrance on the A429 could have an impact – and there would be extra traffic going through the already congested Longbridge Island M40 junction – but it concludes the development ‘would not have a severe impact at Junction 15 [of the M40] or the wider strategic road network’ Other issues which were raised prior to the application included concerns about light pollution The site is seen by SDC as one which could expand and fits in with its strategies for economic growth any growth provided by the campus is some way off The university has requested five years to begin the work and expects to take 10-15 years to complete the scheme said “The submission of the application for Outline Planning Permission is a hugely important milestone in achieving the university’s vision for the development of a world-class Innovation Campus We have greatly appreciated the input from our partners across the district and the wider Midlands region in shaping a masterplan that will support major economic growth and societal impact” said “The development of the Stratford Innovation Campus is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the University and we are delighted to have reached this significant moment The campus is a unique location where academic researchers and both large and small companies can co-locate to work on some of the planet’s greatest challenges We are looking forward to being able to attract many more businesses to share the campus with us and to building collaborative innovation programmes of global importance” WMG and the legendary vehicle manufacturer Lotus Cars is helping keep the company in pole position When Colin Chapman made his first car in his garage in 1948 he could never have known it was the first step to building a business empire that would remain at the cutting-edge of automotive engineering for another 74 years and counting.  for Chapman was that kind of man; a visionary thinker with a passion for perfection whose self-confidence was matched only by his genius.  Lotus Cars employs more than 1,000 people worldwide and continues to push the boundaries by combining the technical and the aesthetic in its unique designs.  The company is renowned for pioneering the production of lightweight vehicles – one of which famously turned into a submarine in the Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me.  And it’s a story built on his own principles of innovation experimentation and improving performance by reducing mass.  Yet developing the next generation of cars requires not only the right values and thinking Lotus chose the University of Warwick’s Wellesbourne Campus as the site for both its specialist Advanced Technology Centre and its new engineering consultancy headquarters.   the academic department at Warwick that partners with the private and public sectors to drive forward science the site soon welcomed 130 Lotus engineers – with abundant room for more to follow.  “Wellesbourne offers plenty of expansion potential and will be the perfect home for our new advanced technology centre,” said Lotus Cars CEO Phil Popham at the time “Having research partners at the University and WMG will bring significant benefits which is both very accessible and home to a rich pool of automotive talent.  Much of the work that happens in the offices workshops and laboratory spaces at Wellesbourne is focused on electric vehicles That may be a reflection of the future of the automotive industry and the present-day market but it’s also especially fitting for Lotus.  they must also be as lightweight as possible – precisely the approach Colin Chapman took from the outset “Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere,” he once said as electric vehicle manufacturers scramble to reduce motor mass and make batteries smaller to improve performance Lotus Cars is ahead of the pack thanks to its history and its new engineering facilities.  Of particular focus at the new site has been the impressive all-electric Lotus Evija hypercar.  Capable of generating 1,972 horsepower and 1,704nm torque it can reach 186mph in 9.1 seconds – yet still has a target range of 215 miles The company’s consultancy division is making headway from Wellesbourne to lead the development of a new electric sports car architecture that should see new models launched later this decade.  Work is also underway on powertrain programmes vehicle dynamics and vehicle platforms for a range of start-up manufacturers from across the world – all at the Advanced Technology Centre there are myriad benefits of having a home at Warwick.  “Moving there will support the transformation we have planned,” said Dan Burge “We’re particularly looking forward to collaborating with our new neighbours; the Midlands is well-known for the wealth of automotive motorsport and performance engineering businesses research partners and universities based there.”  WMG and Lotus is having a positive impact on the local area “This is just the beginning,” said Professor Stuart Croft thrive and bring prosperity and new opportunities to both Warwickshire and the West Midlands and will call on and benefit from the significant automotive and technology skills and talents of many people in our region.”  As Lotus continues to innovate the development of electric vehicles bringing local jobs and global opportunities along for the ride It’s a world away from that first project in Colin Chapman’s garage in 1948.  We use cookies to give you the best online experience Please let us know if you agree to functional You can update your cookie preferences at any time researchers and staff – past and present – gathered at Warwick’s Wellesbourne campus this week (Wednesday 18 December) to mark 70 years of crop research on the site The meeting heard from a range of speakers who relayed past successes and described work on future developments Invited keynote speaker and expert in food policy spoke about the importance of vegetables in the UK and Sue Kennedy from Elsoms Seeds gave a commercial perspective on vegetable genetics and breeding – past an entomologist and one of the lead researchers at Warwick Crop Centre said: “Over the last 70 years research at Wellesbourne has produced large numbers of scientific advances which have helped combat agricultural pests and diseases made crops more resilient to UK growing conditions and have improved the quality of vegetable varieties for consumers we are now tackling new issues brought about by climate change Increases in temperature and the more frequent occurrence of extreme weather events are bringing with them more challenging growing conditions and farmers are already experiencing greater difficulty in managing their crops and tackling pests and diseases We need scientific research to help to continue to deliver reliable food supplies” “Consumers are also becoming more engaged with their dietary choices and the demand for plant products is rising Research on vegetables has the potential to develop new food plants for the UK market as well as leading to varieties which are resistant to pests and diseases or better adapted to low input production systems thereby reducing the need for inputs like pesticides and fertilisers.” guest keynote speaker Professor Tim Lang said: “Horticulture could and should be good news for the UK at a time when issues like food security and climate change should be making people think more about their food choices Places like the Crop Centre at Warwick are valuable resources which could help the UK lead on increasing vegetable production.” The research station at Wellesbourne was established after World War II with the aim of researching and establishing better and more efficient methods of vegetable production in the UK The National Vegetable Research Station as it was called was originally funded by the Ministry of Agriculture The 113ha site at Wellesbourne was acquired in September 1949 who in the 1950s instigated the use of statistical data as a research tool at Wellesbourne – with the introduction of the industry-renowned GENSTAT statistical package Since then the research station has been the site of numerous scientific advances in plant breeding The cause of silvering in beetroot identified The principles of irrigation timing to optimise application established The UK watercress industry was saved from ruin by the identification of the crook root pathogen and the development of novel control strategies The first F1 hybrid vegetable produced – a sprout variety Varieties of lettuce developed with resistance to downy mildew and lettuce root aphid Quarantine Field established for study of soilborne diseases Year round onion production developed and onion neck rot control method identified defined (Granted Queen's Award for Technological Achievement Causes in plant-to-plant variability in crops quantified Threshold levels of seed-borne inoculum to control halo blight of beans established The first national NPK fertiliser recommendations for 23 vegetable crops established First pest forecasts for carrot and cabbage root fly infestations made National Listing of Edmund as a white haricot bean variety for UK food production The first computer-based Decision Support System (WELL_N) for site-specific N fertiliser advice introduced Starter fertiliser techniques developed and introduced First diagnostic tests for carrot cavity spot developed Lettuce big vein successfully controlled and germplasm for lettuce multi-resistance to downy mildew released Development of the mycoparasite Coniothyrium minitans as a biological control agent for Sclerotinia disease – now a commercial product ‘Contans’ marketed by Bayer Arabidopsis downy mildew provides seminal insights into the molecular basis and evolution of innate immunity in plants Carrot breeding lines with partial resistance to carrot fly were sold to seed companies for variety production Protocols for producing low-nitrate lettuce introduced to meet EU legislation New diagnostics developed for key soilborne plant diseases including cavity spot of carrot New onion lines with high resistance to Fusarium identified and being developed by Hazera Defra-funded Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network initiated which has led to identification of multiple beneficial traits across lettuce onion and Brassica as well as contributing resources and data to multiple UKRI projects Establishment of the VeGIN network linking academia to industry to speed up knowledge transfer Its success due to previous WHRI breeding programs Genes responsible for seed vigour in Brassica oleracea identified providing potential for the improvement of seed performance in breeding programmes Use of the patented technique of drum priming is now rapidly expanding to improve horticultural seed quality Gene for resistance to Turnip mosaic virus identified in brassicas resistance mechanism patented by Warwick and being exploited by Syngenta Resistance to Turnip yellows virus identified in diploid brassicas and incorporated in to re-synthesised oilseed rape; four international seed companies investing in exploiting the resistance in collaboration with Warwick Two BBSRC collaborative projects with Indian colleagues on resistance to Turnip mosaic virus and white blister rust in Brassica juncea Revival of haricot bean breeding in the UK with National Listing of Capulet (the first of several genetically improved descendants from Edmund) Partner in international Brassica genome sequencing projects Deposit of UK Vegetable Gene Bank material to Svalbard Global Seed Vault said: “Scientists at this specialist research facility at Wellesbourne have been delivering world-class industry-changing applied science for the past 70 years and there is no doubt that the UK needs and recognises the value of this type of work “The University of Warwick continues to drive forward pioneering research into some of the UK’s most valuable vegetable crops and also to look for new opportunities in markets which are interesting for the UK’s growers and consumers.” 1949 - Established after World War II with the aim of researching and establishing better and more efficient methods of vegetable production in the UK the National Vegetable Research Station as it was originally funded by the Ministry of Agriculture no running water and only a bridle path to reach the three run-down farm cottages The first new building – a second hand shed which acted as the office lab and canteen for the six staff – was erected in January 1950 1959 - Prince Philip Building was formally opened housing specialist laboratories 1973 - David Lowe Building was added to the south-west wing of the Prince Philip Building to provide additional laboratory and office space 1980 - The UK Vegetable Gene Bank was built at Wellesbourne following donations to an OXFAM special appeal 1990 - Horticulture Research International (HRI) was established (merger between AFRC Institute of Horticultural Research (operating on sites at Wellesbourne East Malling and Wye) and the Agricultural Development Advisory Service (ADAS) Experimental Horticulture Stations (EHSs) at Efford 1998 – Terry Pryce Building was opened 2004 - Warwick HRI was formed on 1 April 2004 following the integration of HRI sites at Wellesbourne and Kirton with The University of Warwick 2010 - School of Life Sciences was formed following merger of Warwick HRI and Department of Biological Sciences E: a.cullis@warwick.ac.uk Press enquiries / +44 (0)7392 125 605 Contact an Expert Contact an Expert Meet the Team Meet the Team Above: An ‘illustrative masterplan’ showing the proposed creation of an industrial park alongside a significantly smaller airfield Proposals to develop Warwickshire’s Wellesbourne airfield (including the creation of an industrial estate and a ‘new realigned runway’) have been revealed by developers Gladman and Stoford, who have also launched a dedicated website. The radical changes proposed would see the current airfield reduced in size and the re-allocation of infrastructure aircraft parking and maintenance facilities a ‘new realigned runway built to modern standards’ – essentially moved to one side – would allow for the construction of a new industrial park on the so-called ‘underused part of the existing site’ strategic land promoter Gladman and commercial property developer Stoford announced that the development of their proposals ‘will ensure the long-term future of the airfield’ adding that ‘the significant investment into the airfield will attract new business appealing to a future new commercial operator’ high-quality employment park of approximately 210,000 sq m of industrial and logistics space’ is described as having the potential to ‘generate significant job opportunities’ and will be accessed independently from Stratford Road Illustrated plans indicate 13 industrial units of varying sizes will be constructed although the length of the realigned runway has yet to be released Wellesbourne Mountfield was originally opened in 1941 before being closed in 1964 Avro Vulcan XM655 and the Wellesbourne Wartime Museum Online responses to the proposed plans can be submitted here until Friday 22 September © 2025 Key Publishing Ltd . keypublishing.com A test run of Wellesbourne’s world-famous XM655 Vulcan bomber ended badly today when it slipped off the runway almost onto Stratford Road However it is understood that no one was hurt in the mishap and that luckily it stopped a few feet from the busy B4086 which draws crowds of visitors to Wellesbourne Airfield is carefully looked after by the XM655 Maintenance and Preservation Society The Vulcan only occasionally makes high-speed taxi runs and prior to last year had not done one for five years Wing Commander Mike Politt told the Herald: “The aircraft performed fantastically It’s been five years since the last high-speed taxi and there were certainly a few people in the café and on the airfield pleased to see her running but operating on a 2,000ft runway might not have been great for my blood pressure!” People on Facebook shared their fears that this mishap might jeopardise future run outs if the Civil Aviation Authority gets involved KIDDING around in class is warmly welcomed at yoga sessions near Wellesbourne Three pygmy goats who live at Owl Barn Farm campsite like nothing better than joining in Bobble and Popcorn come running when there’s a session and jump onto the backs of those perfecting their downward-dog pose The hour-long Goat Yoga Warwickshire sessions offer a chance to relax as they’re held in an idyllic grass meadow a horse and dog on the land which has been in her family for 100 years She and husband James Turpin launched the family-friendly campsite in April but the goat yoga It’s a “happy accident” her three pet goats have turned out to be yoga enthusiasts “I bought them for the campsite but when we had our first yoga session Bobble jumped straight up and people seem to love that The three goats have distinct personalities is a bit gangly and not very good at yoga so he just wanders around being goofy “Popcorn is timid and a bit of a mummy’s boy who follows me everywhere while Bobble is the best at yoga and also an escape artist Victoria’s also hosted community groups such as Slimming World and young people with learning disabilities Sessions are normally on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings but see Eventbrite or the Owl Barn Farm website for details of days and times THE weekly market at Wellesbourne Airfield could close after more than 40 years as proposals move forward to create a new employment park on the site owner of the company that runs Wellesbourne Market told the Herald that if such a move went ahead it would provoke “outrage” But he stressed that he was currently in negotiations with the airfield owners to relocate the market – one of the largest outdoor enterprises of its kind in the country – to another part of the site who has recently signed a short-term three-year lease to operate at the airfield said: “The livelihoods of 200 individual traders are at stake At least 60 per cent of them – possibly more than 70 per cent – come from the local region “There are not many large markets left any more and Wellesbourne is one of the very few such markets left in the country.” He added: “I’ve spoken to the owners of the site and we’re trying to negotiate I can’t do anything until we know what the plans are.” Work has been taking place behind the scenes for years to secure flying at the airfield land promoters Gladman and commercial property developer said they would be working together to create a new business on part of the airfield Gladman has now submitted a detailed scoping report to the council which reveals more information about the proposals and how they fit into the 140-acre site The runway would be moved while land next to the Dene Park Industrial Estate would be used for about a dozen employment buildings of various sizes is used by the market at weekends and on bank holidays The idea of a future without the market is included in the scoping report which states: “The proposed development will generate employment both during and post-construction and will also safeguard the majority of the existing employment at the airfield except for that associated with the weekly market.” The suggestion that there will be no place for the market under plans for the site’s redevelopment has come as yet another occurrence at a location riddled with controversy in recent years Originally the owners had wanted to sell the land for housing development which would have meant the end of the site’s colourful role in aviation history with Stratford District Council even going to the lengths of obtaining compulsory purchase powers to buy the airfield itself if that was deemed necessary in order to preserve its function as a working aerodrome that future looks to have been secured and could be enhanced with the proposals for the site The scheme will also link with Warwick University’s multi-million pound nearby development to create a world-class ‘innovation campus’ would be an international centre of excellence in horticultural The two projects are seen as having the potential to be a huge driving force for the local economy told the Herald: “These two major initiatives need to be considered together Both have taken a long time and a lot of effort to get to the stage where they are both on the launch platform to becoming a reality.” He added: “Put together these two sites will be a major engine of economic growth in the district for more than the next decade They will be a major foundation of our future economic prosperity People will benefit from high quality job creation.” It suggests the changes could add around a 10 per cent increase in recreational flights (about 1,900) and double business flights – adding 1,000 a year As for the future of Wellesbourne Wartime Museum the report states that it will be retained “within the site if possible” The scoping report has been submitted to the council ahead of a planning application to highlight “significant effects” and potential key issues concerning the environment senior planning and development director at Gladman said: “We look forward to sharing our proposals for the site over the coming months and hope to be in position to submit a planning application by the summer.” up to 16,400m² of hardstanding aircraft parking up to 210,000 m² of employment floorspace which would include buildings for storage and distribution research and development/light industrial and a STEM campus.