MARLBOROUGH town councillors failed to attend a public inquiry into rerouting a public footpath at Elcot Lane because they didn't know it was on, even though it took place at their own town hall.

Residents of Elcot Lane and Barrow Close are furious about the plan to close the footpath that runs to the east of Marlborough Town Football Club's pitches and divert it along the access road to the club's pavilion and the industrial units beyond it.

Kay Bradford, of Barrow Close, attended the full town council meeting on Monday evening and asked councillors why no councillor had been at the public inquiry on March 15 to support the residents' point of view.

Coun Bryan Castle said it was a matter of regret that the inquiry officer at Wiltshire County Council had not informed the town council that the hearing was taking place.

But Mrs Bradford replied: "I can't believe that none of you knew about it. This has been going on since 2002."

Following the inquiry in March, the inspector proposed deleting the path's present route and diverting it.

Objections must be sent by August 25 to Jean McEntee, Room 4/04, Temple Quay House, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.