Reopening the precious chalk stream – which has been buried in dark and dank concrete culverts, devoid of all wildlife and nature, under parts of the town centre since the 1960s – has been talked about since around 2017, but no firm plans have been progressed. Despite this, the appeal of the project has not lessened. Years later and the discussions are still ongoing. The Bucks Free Press supports bringing the river back to the surface, as does the High Wycombe Society and Revive The Wye.
Much of the river through High Wycombe town centre is buried underground in culverts like this one, by Wycombe Police Station
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.