Shopping in Marlborough has become an increasingly unpleasant experience, and many local residents are quietly saying the same thing. A significant part of the problem appears to be the behaviour of some Marlborough College students in town.
Far too often, groups of students can be seen blocking supermarket aisles and pavements, speaking loudly, barging past other shoppers and generally behaving as though the town exists solely for their convenience.
Most people understand that teenagers will sometimes be noisy or excitable, but there is a clear difference between youthful high spirits and simple bad manners. What is especially frustrating is the apparent lack of awareness or courtesy shown towards elderly residents, parents with children and ordinary shoppers simply trying to go about their day.
Marlborough is a beautiful market town with a strong sense of community, and mutual respect is an important part of that. Nobody expects perfection from young people, but basic civility costs nothing. A polite “excuse me”, keeping pathways clear and showing consideration for others should not be difficult.
Just goes to show that money does not buy manners.
Perhaps both the college and parents could do more to remind students that how they conduct themselves in public reflects not only on them personally, but also on the wider community around them.
Yours a correspondent Marlborough – name and address supplied,
Steam Experience at Crofton Beam Engines
