'Hideous' social distancing bollards in Marlborough finally removed

The aim was to create wider pavements in the area in August 2020 amid the outbreak of Covid-19 and the need for social distancing as part of Wiltshire Council's 're-opening of the high streets safely scheme.'

Barriers installed outside Polly’s Tea Rooms to make it safer for pedestrians in Marlborough. Photo:Trevor Porter

However, they caused discontent among residents who believed that there was no need for the bollards to still be in place more than two years later.

This was despite Wiltshire Council announcing on July 19, 2021 that as national lockdown restrictions ended, they would be removing all temporary social distancing schemes in towns throughout the county.

Noting in the Marlborough Notice Board  Facebook group Alan Newall said: "Yay! The bollards are gone! Finally. After months of blocking much-needed parking, (and being a general eyesore!) they were removed.”

"Many thanks to Councillor Jane Davies who has kept on at Highways to get this done.”

Mr Newall added that the effort that the councillor went to is what he believes has made all the difference.

He said: “So many councillors don’t even bother responding to voters' emails so it is refreshing to see one engage and actually get a result."

Lots of other people responded to the post, sharing their reasons for supporting the decision.

Previously, Councillor Jane Davies shared her frustrations in a letter.

She stated: “Further to recent discussion of plans for our High Street, I found myself in a difficult position. I recognise absolutely the need for Covid-safer streets and looking to the future I would love to see a cleaner, greener and even more attractive town centre.

Shoppers navigating their way around the bollards in Marlborough. Photo: Trevor Porter.

“However, I felt that the addition of red plastic bollards along the entire length of both sides of the High Street, was not going to move us effectively towards that ambition.”

The worry was that it was preventing businesses from thriving in the town.

She added: “Furthermore, and fundamentally important, I felt the loss of around 2000 plus shopping opportunities each and every day (115 well-used parking spaces each offering 20 x 30 minutes free parking per day) would have a devastating impact on our local independent shop keepers.

“These small business owners are the local heroes who add colour and individuality to the Marlborough retail offer. Their livelihoods depend on our support, and the success of our town depends on the broad range of interesting products they offer for sale.”