POLITICIANS from all four levels of government were grilled by villagers over the biggest issues facing the area during a new Q&A session launched last week.

MP Steve Baker was joined on the panel at Marlow Bottom Village Hall by Bucks County Councillor Jean Teesdale and Wycombe District Councillor Dominic Barnes for the first in a new format of public discussions.

Residents’ burning issues included Wycombe Hospital, traffic problems at Handy Cross and the universally despised pothole problem on the district's roads.

Marlow Bottom parish councillor Mark Harris said: “Having all levels of government present (MP, county, district & parish) was really useful, as whatever the topic there was someone to comment. And there was occasional disagreement from those around the table too!

“It was agreed by all that a Saturday morning was really accessible and people wanted another session, which is being organised for early October.”

As well as the village hall meeting, a smaller gathering for Bovingdon Green residents took place afterwards at the Royal Oak pub.

Mr Harris said Mr Baker had committed to follow-up meetings to investigate some of the issues raised.

October’s session may focus solely on transport, which was the main concern of most people at the forum.