The brakes have been put on a project to introduce more cycle racks in the High Street because of concerns about their location.

During the first meeting of the new town council Ann Yates, from Transition Marlborough, discussed placing the racks outside Valentinos and the Polly Tea Room.

Ms Yates had already talked to Wiltshire Council about the project as part of the new cycle network and spoke in support of a report compiled by Andrew Jack, Marlborough community area manager for Wiltshire Council.

She said: “These sites are highly visible and convenient for places like the Post Office and WH Smith’s. I’ve been to see the manager of the Polly Tea Room and the owner of Valentinos and they have no reservations of the siting of cycle racks outside their shops.”

But racks in these locations would result in the loss of two free parking spaces.

Coun Stewart Dobson said: “One of the great drawbacks of the town over the years is the gradual erosion of the free for half an hour spaces.

“I would be very against taking two parking spaces. Those two spaces are very important, they are always being used. We can’t inflict this on our traders.”

It was pointed out that there were already cycle racks in the High Street but Ms Yates said that some were not suitable for all bikes.

A motion was carried stating that the town council supports the provision of cycling facilities but not in the way proposed.