THE decision to not ring the HMS Marlborough ship's bell on Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in Marlborough has incensed locals after the town council decreed that it must not be rung this year.

Ever since the HMS Marlborough frigate was decommissioned in 2005, the ship's bell, which is stored in the town council offices, has been rung 11 times in the town on these days to remember those who died in conflicts.

However this year, the town council, along with the 4th Military Intelligence Battalion and the Royal British Legion, decided that it would only be on display but not rung at 11am as they said it was difficult to strike it at the right time alongside the bells at St Mary's Church and the town hall clock ringing.

This has enraged the local community, including former town mayor Derek Smithers, who gave the former crew members of HMS Marlborough the freedom of the town in 1996.

"This is deeply upsetting and disrespectful. I am a custodian of the bell. It was handed to us by the last captain of the ship, Ian Graham, so it means a great deal to me that it was not heard," he said.

"So many people were hugely disappointed that it was not rung at all and even the parade Marshall was shocked that it remained silent. He was confused as many others as to why it was not heard.

"I do not buy the excuse that it does not ring in time. The St Mary's one was not in time and this one is easier to work as it is manual."

In response to this decision, hundreds took to social media to vent their disgust at the decision.

Nigel Kerton, who also is a custodian of the bell, said: "It was a disgraceful decision. I cannot fathom why they decided to do this. This is symbolic for those who were part of the HMS Marlborough and for sailors in the war.

"Me and Derek stood their in defiance over the decision. This is a huge part of our history and should be remembered properly."

Chairman of the RBL branch for the town, Coun Alec Light, said: "We agreed that it would be reinstated next year as the bell was not in time with the other bells but we welcome it back for 2017 if this is sorted."

Town clerk Shelley Parker said: "This year, it was decided that the bell should be on display on both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, but not rung as it is difficult to strike it at the right time alongside other bells ringing.

"That does not mean we won’t be ringing it in the future - HMS Marlborough and her crew were and remain important to the town.

"In fact, it would be good to look again at the history of this ship and its bell so that we all learn a lot more about this important piece of memorabilia from the town’s past."