AFTER more than 35 years of helping shape the face of Marlborough and prevent major planning disasters, the town's Civic Society could fold.

Unless new members come forward at the annual meeting at the Merchant's House at 7.30pm on March 17, the society could be consigned to history.

Chairman Richard Clapp said the committee is recommending the society should be wound up.

He said: "Unless there is a miraculous upsurge of interest in the society, we believe this will be agreed."

The society was set up in 1969 to help preserve and enhance the fabric of the town and many of the major developments in the last 36 years have been shaped with its help.

It was concerned with more than just buildings and over the years has commented on the town's infrastructure and future planning. It was also responsible for the first stretch of Riverside Walk along the banks of the River Kennet by the George Lane Car Park.

The society's dream of having a riverside walk through the town one day is still being pursued.

Members also supported the blue plaque scheme, preserved the Borough signs at the town entrances, helped develop the town map displayed by the Jubilee Centre in the High Street, and contributed to the debate on the town's street furniture.

But Dr Clapp said: "Over the last several years membership of the society has declined and attendance at its functions fell to the point where it was no longer possible to hold them.

"The committee has continued to function effectively but after many years of service, the majority have decided they can no longer continue."