MARLBOROUGH may just have been named one of the best places to live in the South West, but some people are disappointed at the official plans to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday this year.

The town, which has just made The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live in the South West league for the second year in a row, is holding a civic service to mark the monarch’s 90th birthday on June 12. But after a failed attempt to hold a meeting to organise a children's street party or a more relaxed celebration, the people involved have criticised the council for what they claim is a lack of interest.

Town councillors were invited to the meeting earlier this month, and the three organisers, Malcolm Ward, Nigel Kerton and Derek Smithers, a former mayor of the town, have spoken out after they failed to turn up. The three men say a traditional children’s street party in the High Street should be the way to celebrate in the market town.

Malcolm Ward, 71, of Silverless Street, who is a former consultant to the council, said: “The response we have received is very disappointing. We organised a meeting, the deputy mayor said they refuse to sit on the committee and they were just acting as an observer. I was very disappointed.”

In previous years children’s parties have been organised to celebrate major national occasions. Several hundred children enjoyed a party in Priory Gardens in 2011 to celebrate the wedding of Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge, who went to school in Marlborough.

“If there were to be a public, open event then there would be more chance for people to attend other than a civic service," Mr Ward said.

"The children usually have a wonderful time and only half of the High Street would be needed. The concept of this meeting was to allow the councillors to do a bit of homework on the safety of the proposal then to organise a public meeting,” added Mr Ward.

The town council said this week that organising such an event would take a long time and would have a negative effect on High Street trade.

Town clerk Shelley Parker said: “We are working on a civic service and not planning on throwing a street party. It takes a lot of time to bring something like that together so we are focusing on a special service instead.

"If people were to come forward then small parties could happen. Traders are not in favour of the street party as it would mean closing the High Street. There are lots of venues in the town where a party could be held.”

The town council is delighted at the national recognition of Marlborough as a top place to live in Britain, pointing out the town events which have helped make it onto the list, the only town in Wiltshire to do so.

Mrs Parker said: “The town council is delighted that Marlborough has again been identified as one of the best places to live in Britain. It’s hardly surprising that our historic town has made it into this prestigious list. It’s a privilege to live here.

“There’s so much on offer – a thriving High Street with an array of independent shops and good places to eat and drink, a good dose of art and culture which includes an international Jazz Festival and an excellent Literature Festival, the beautiful River Kennet meandering through an area of outstanding natural beauty and above all a welcoming community.”