RENEWED calls to see a historic river brought back to the surface in Wycombe town centre have prompted top politicians to say they too share that ambition, but that funding is key.
Buckinghamshire Council leader Cllr Martin Tett and cabinet member for town centre regeneration Cllr Steve Bowles backed reopening the River Wye during a recent debate – but added there are first cost and logistical factors to be considered. The issue was prompted by Cllr Ron Gaffney during a council meeting, who asked if the budget included funding to reopen the important chalk stream. Bringing the river back to the surface after it was buried under concrete in the town centre years ago has been a huge topic of discussion for years.
âDerelictâ Buzz Bingo in Aylesbury could be turned into arts music centre A ‘DERELICT’ bingo hall which was also previously a cinema could be turned into an “arts music centre”. The Gala-turned-Buzz Bingo building, in Aylesbury High Street, is under review by Buckinghamshire Council, in hopes it could help to revive the local economy. At least two investors are known to be interested in the “iconic” council-owned building, with both thought to be preparing proposals. The news was revealed during a Budget Scrutiny Select Committee Inquiry, on Tuesday, January 12. According to cabinet member for planning and enforcement Cllr Warren Whyte the site was originally a Pavilion Cinema and then a Granada in 1946 before it closed in 1972.
Buckinghamshire Council leader slammed for denying news of food voucher scheme to charity A CHARITY representing disabled residents across the county suggested it is being prevented from sharing important new initiatives for the needy peddled by a top politician since he blocked them online. Buckinghamshire Disability Service (BuDS) wrote Buckinghamshire Council’s new ‘Helping Hand’ winter food voucher scheme is “exactly the sort” it would like to publicise, had council leader Cllr Martin Tett not prevented them from reading his Twitter feed.
Cllr Tett was criticised in early November for his mystifying move, with a charity spokesperson saying it was “wholly disproportionate and a bit anti-democratic”.
White Hart Street in High Wycombe could be closed off to ‘bring businesses to life’ CALLS have sounded to have a road in the town centre “blocked off” to traffic to allow local businesses to utilise the space outside their premises. White Hart Street, in High Wycombe, could be closed from vehicle access following pressure from businesses such a cafés who want to have outside seating to boost customer interest. Cabinet member for town centre regeneration Cllr Steve Bowles said use of the already pedestrianised route will be reviewed by the newly established High Wycombe Regeneration Board following its first meeting in 2021.