THE CLOSURE of Queen’s Park last week came as police investigated the robbery of an Old Town betting shop.

The town centre park was shut by police on Friday and Saturday.

Specialist dog handlers from Tri-Force joined Wiltshire Police officers as they combed the park for clues. 

Police have not confirmed what it was they searching the park for. 

However, the force has today confirmed that the park closure came as detectives investigated the robbery of Coral bookmakers on Victoria Road on January 12.

Michael King, 38, of Olivier Road, Abbeymeads, appeared in Swindon Magistrates Court last week charged with robbing the betting shop, possession of an imitation weapon and two counts of burglary. He was remanded in custody for trial at the crown court on February 9.

A woman, Taylor Croft, 42, of Deerhurst Way, Toothill, has also been charged with robbery. She will join King in court on February 9.

Stan Pajak, ward councillor for Eastcott and chairman of the Queen’s Park Community Council, queried why the park had to be closed for two days.

He said: “It was strange that it was closed for both days. It’s such an important park and it’s a through route into the town for people coming from Walcot.”