MARLBOROUGH Town Council has rejected the opportunity to set up twinning links with a town in France.

Councillors were asked at the full council meeting on Tuesday evening if they would support Marlborough becoming twinned with one of 11 French towns and one Spanish town that are looking to establish an English connection.

Coun Margaret Rose was very much in favour. She said: "We are in Europe and a twinning link with a French town would help us to understand each other better. We might also have the chance to taste some nice wine once in a while."

But the prospect of more work for council staff was too much for other councillors. Mayor David Watson said: "We are a third short of a full complement in our office staff. We never filled the vacancy from last year."

Coun Maurice Cooper added: "The amount of work involved in setting up a twinning link is astronomical and extremely expensive. It is not an initial one-off payment either. This money should go to the Brandt Group to help support our links with Gunjur in The Gambia."

But Coun Graham Francis urged councillors to at least consider the possibility, as he said it would encourage business and tourism in the town.

Coun Audrey Peck said the town had strong links with Bergerac in France through St John's School and they should concentrate on strengthening those further.

Coun Joyce White listed the reasons against establishing a link, which included work, time and money.