TOWN councillors in Marlborough have expressed reservations about a proposed cycle path across The Common.

The proposed path is a key link in a new Marlborough Draft Cycle Network being discussed between Wiltshire County Council and a group calling themselves the Marlborough Cycle Forum.

The draft cycle network is a proposal for a series of paths around the town safe for cyclists to use.

The network of paths in the town connects with routes to the Ogbournes along the old railway line and to the Kennet valley via Treacle Bolley and Manton.

One suggestion is for a path across The Common linking Free's Avenue to the Marlborough-Swindon road at the top of Porthill, opposite the Portfields entrance.

Plans show the cycle path following the metalled track across The Common which is the last vestige of a wartime military hospital that was later used by the town's secondary modern school.

Coun Maurice Cooper said he understood cycling was forbidden across The Common so riders would have to dismount and push their bicycles. He said notices would have to be erected at either end of the path telling cyclists to dismount.

However Town Clerk Graham Gittins said he had spoken with district council lawyers who said cyclists could ride across The Common if the town council agreed to a cycle path.

Coun Mel Curtis said: "I can't see anything wrong with cycling on The Common. We get the fairground up there with massive lorries at certain times to I can't see any objection to cyclists."

Some councillors expressed fears about the town council's liability if an injury was caused to a cyclist or by a cyclist.

By a seven-one majority the committee agreed to respond to the county council saying the principle of a cycle route across The Common was accepted but the town council needed reassurance on the issues of health and safety and liability.