Super locks are to be bought by Marlborough Town Council for use on the barriers on Marlborough Common following the arrival there of three travellers’ caravans last month.
It was thought that the travellers’ used bolt cutters to gain access to the site after security staff stopped them entering the sports field at Marlborough College when it was invaded by a dozen travellers’ vehicles.
But it now transpires that Marlborough Rugby Club failed to lock a barrier on the Commons when they held a social event and this allowed the travellers to drive through, the council’s Amenities and Open Spaces Committee was told on Monday.
“We had a very near miss with the travellers,” said chairman Councillor Richard Pitts. “We were very fortunate that Councillor Val Compton went up there after being alerted by a member of the public and she informed the police.”
“It could have been very expensive for the town council if we had to go to law to remove the travellers.”
The council is to investigate ways of improving security on two “weak sites” on the Common, where travellers might gain access, but meanwhile is urging the rugby club to ensure that barriers are appropriately kept secure, new super locks being provided to protect the Common.