In response to complaints from local residents regarding anti-social behaviour during the evening in Priory Gardens the Town Council have taken the decision to lock the two gates overnight – at Figgins Lane adjacent to the bridge over the Kennet – and at The Priory, which leads on to the High Street.
As from 21 March to 27 March both gates will be locked at 4.30pm. But once the clocks have gone forward and we move into ‘British Summer time’, the Figgins Lane gate won’t be closed until 7pm.
When asked, Marlborough Town Council confirmed that this is not necessarily a permanent arrangement. It will be reviewed, maybe times will be changed, but always the impact/benefit for the Community will be uppermost when making any decision regarding to close or not to close, and if so, when.
This has been done previously (see pic of sign from 2018/19) but this was later reversed and the Gardens had been left accessible during evening and night for some while.
Back in late 2020 adjacent resident and Town Councillor, Noel Barrett-Morton urged fellow Councillors to support his motion to ban St John’s students from using Priory Gardens. This was not supported by enough Councillors – a majority – as many were dismayed by the lack of evidence to support the claims being made, and that by singling out St John’s and their students, ill feeling would develop between school and town.
Other Councillors noted that it was young people in their twenties gathering in Priory Gardens rather than school age students.
At a vote only two Councillors voted for Cllr Barrett-Morton’s proposal.
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