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Tyre marks at Barbury Castle prompt concern over whether gates are locked

Looking back, 2 July 2026: A Swindon councillor raised concerns after seeing fresh tyre marks at Barbury Castle Country Park. The council said the gates were still locked every night, but later in summer.

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Looking backThis story covers news from . Swindo wrote it later from the published source, and published it on 12 November 2026. More from that day

Last updated: 12 November 2026

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The road to Barbury Castle Country Park
Photo: Vieve Forward via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 · source (illustrative photo of the place, not of the event)

Swindon24 reported on Thursday 2 July 2026 that residents had told a Swindon councillor the gates at Barbury Castle Country Park were no longer being locked overnight. Barbury Castle, one of the council's parks, is an Iron Age hillfort and a scheduled ancient monument.

Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, who represents Queen's Park ward, visited the site and saw fresh tyre marks, which she believes were left by vehicles driven through the park. She had already contacted council officers.

She said: "I'm sure it's an oversight rather than a set intention to neglect our heritage".

What did the council say?

Swindon Borough Council said the gates were still locked every night, but were being closed later during the summer because of the longer daylight hours. The same applied at Queen's Park and Town Gardens.

The council acknowledged concerns about anti-social behaviour and inappropriate vehicle use at Barbury Castle. A spokesperson said: "Council officers will continue to monitor the situation". Officers would work with partners where needed, and visitors were urged to use the site responsibly.

The report read the council's response as meaning there had been no change of policy on overnight opening.

Swindo's guide to Barbury Castle Country Park has parking and visitor details.

Source: Swindon24.

More from Swindo: Barbury Castle Country Park.

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Places Mentioned

Barbury Castle Country Park

Park

Barbury Castle is a 60-hectare country park on the downs south of Swindon, around an Iron Age hill fort on the Ridgeway. It has a car park, toilets and a picnic site.

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