BFP readers would rather knock down High Wycombe’s flyover than turn it into an urban park, according to a poll taken this week. 

It comes after we revealed a raft of ideas put forward by business group High Wycombe Business Improvement District (HWBIDCo) last week.

Of those who voted, 38 per cent thought it should be demolished while 30 per cent thought it should be turned into a pedestrianised urban park - one of many proposals put forward by HWBIDCo, which is seeking feedback on its vision for the future. 

A slightly higher 31 per cent were against the idea.

One reader, Juan Jose, said: “Is it moral to spend an extensive amount of money with the cronies contractors to put a few plant and shrubs, when the social care, medical care, social services, children’s services and all the essential services are facing severe cuts?”

Another reader, Adrian9999 commented on our site: “Why should motorists and traffic dominate the town centre? Let's make it a quiet and pleasant open space for everyone. Create areas with trees and gardens where events can happen and families can wander.

“Who knows, outsiders might visit for the experience, bringing additional income to the town, rather than simply passing through as fast as possible leaving nothing but their exhaust fumes.”

Readers on Facebook were firmly in favour of putting the money to better use, mainly to bring back Wycombe Hospital’s A&E department.

Michaella Webster said: “No. What a waste of money. Give us back our A&E,” while Jules Bainbridge commented: “No we should get our A&E back,” and Sally Watson said: “No, no, no. Put A&E back in Wycombe, they always say we have no money for this and that, but they have money to do this and big pink plant pots in town, etc.”

A few readers felt getting rid of the flyover would cause more traffic chaos within the town with David Watkin calling it “one of the most useful roads in town” without which “traffic would be a nightmare”.

Ktat31 said: “Are the council crazy? Traffic going from the one side of town to the other is already horrendous especially since the latest road developments along Oxford Road and now they want to get rid of the flyover. Where is all the traffic supposed to go now?”

The BFP reported last week that the flyover could become a pedestrianised urban park as part of a raft of ideas put forward by a business group, for which they are seeking the town's opinion.

Plans for more town centre green spaces and improving the use of buildings like The Brunel Railway Shed top the list, with ambitions for an urban park on the flyover, or in Frogmoor, are also being revealed.

If you didn't take the poll - what do you think should be done?