Residents in Marlborough have been reacting to a recent story published by The Telegraph which states that ‘towns do not come' much better.
In the story, published on Tuesday, July 2, writer Christopher Howse took a walk down the High Street and documented a review of his time, picking out the 'veranda roof', 'doric style columns', 'venetian windows' and 'pleasantly old buildings'.
"I am convinced that such beauty makes for happier town-dwelling," he wrote.
"I pondered it good fortune to be historic, prosperous and preserved."
Marlborough has been described as the 'perfect' English high street (Image: Tom Ellis)
The Gazette and Herald spoke to residents in the town centre on Monday, July 15 with many voicing concerns that things can be improved.
"The town definitely is great, they got that right, but for me what makes the town is not the buildings but the people," one coffee shop worker on the High Street told the Gazette.
"Like every town, there are definitely problems with it too - especially parking.
"I have to park miles away because I can't afford to work here and park here," she added.
"If you account for the hourly parking when you're earning barely above minimum wage, it soon adds up."
Not every town can be 'pretty' all the time (Image: Newsquest)
April from Prospect Hospice Charity Shop is not originally from Marlborough but has lived there for 29 years and shared a similar sentiment.
"There's just a wonderful mix of the local people and it has a really nice community feel," she said.
"The High Street does get worked on quite a bit though which causes disruption.
"Seems to be every weekend the road is blocked up in town."
April from Prospect has a front row seat to the goings on of the High Street (Image: Newsquest)
Other issues raised by residents included unaffordable housing, air pollution due to congestion, 'wonky paving' and 'too many ladies shops and coffee shops.'
One employee from Boots added: "Marlborough High Street feels like a little cosy family, especially at Christmas.
"It's not perfect, no town ever is, and it's definitely pricey and full of its own unique problems.
"But the real beauty behind Marlborough is in the people, and that's something no planning application is ever going to change."
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