THERE is nothing like an impending royal visit to make councillors aware of problem areas in their town.

Marlborough is no exception and, with a visit by Prince Charles on the cards for June, councillors are making last minute plans for a huge spring clean.

Prince Charles is expected to accept an invitation to visit Marlborough during the celebrations for the 800th anniversary of the town getting its royal charters from King John.

A host of events is planned including a town play, a reconstruction by the English Civil War Society of the 17th century skirmish in Marlborough, a Victorian steam fair and hiring fair and a visit by all the mayors of Wiltshire.

The celebrations are due to take place over two weekends with events on June 10,11 and 12 and again on June 17, 18, 19 and 20.

Prince Charles has been invited to unveil a mural in the town hall depicting Marlborough's history.

The town has been planning the celebrations for four years with its 2004 committee chaired by Coun Graham Francis who is due to be elected Mayor in May.

Councillors have now turned their attention to the state of the town and, in particular, the High Street.

County Coun Margaret Boulton has written to highways chiefs urging them to do their bit to tidy up the town.

She told George Batten, Wiltshire County Council's director of environmental services, that he must be aware of "serious concern about the poor state of the highway ironworks, railings and bollards."

Coun Boulton added: "Marlborough is financing its own large contribution on this occasion and I do hope that you will feel able to support these proposals."