The mayor of High Wycombe has reflected on the highs and lows of his year in the prestigious role - including his attempts to return the "wow factor" to the town centre. 

In a letter written to readers, Cllr Brian Pearce said his ambitious plans to improve Frogmoor, an area of the town that has been criticised by residents and councillors alike for being a hub of anti-social behaviour, were "naive". 

However, Cllr Pearce says he has enjoyed his year in role - which has included attending hundreds of events, official openings and celebrations. 

He writes: 

In my naivety while I was mayor-elect, I assumed that I could make a difference to the High Street and Frogmoor in the town and bring back what I termed the 'wow' factor.

I had great ideas; on Frogmoor I had the idea to have erected a large sphere fountain, 2.7 metres high.

This idea was originally put forward by an officer of Wycombe District Council. I also thought it would be nice to have continental style cafes and the flower boxes as are frequently seen in places such as Henley Market Square.

I had a meeting with the High Wycombe Society and was hoping to get on board some council officials, other councillors and any other interested parties to act as a catalyst to this effect. There was even an article in the Bucks Free Press last year.

Unfortunately, it was not to be - I didn't anticipate 'protocol' and 'ward infringement'.

I also had great plans in visiting every school, every aged persons dwelling complex and every large office in the town. I did manage to visit most schools, quite a few aged persons dwelling complexes and some large locally based companies.

I feel that I did manage to reach out successfully to the community as a whole and many ethnic groups during my tenure as mayor but unfortunately - and everybody warned me of this - the year seemed to speed by so incredibly rapidly.

I certainly enjoyed my year as mayor and I feel that it was a great honour and privilege to represent the town of High Wycombe with its many quirky traditions and customs such as the Weighing In of the mayor (High Wycombe is the only town in the world which holds this tradition), Beating of the Bounds (a curious old custom wherein children are lifted, turned upside down and lowered onto the six stones in the centre of the town - which the children certainly loved, with one little girl volunteering for every single stone, whilst the town crier reads aloud a poem relating to the relevant area of the town), inspection of the market and various civic services.

One occasion I was very disappointed with, due to the weather, was the Annual Mayor's Carol Service which was to be held in All Saints Parish Church.

This had to be abandoned due to the sudden heavy snow fall we encountered earlier that day.

In this day and age, most people’s image of this type of mayor is cutting ribbons and kissing babies - I only kissed two babies but did cut an awful lot of ribbons.

The highlight of my year was launching the Poppy Appeal on the centre spot at Adams Park in front of 4,500 spectators and at the end, giving my son a big hug.

If I had a pound for every time somebody said “now you're mayor, what are you going to do about the potholes in my road?” I'd have more than enough money to fill all the potholes in that particular road but of course it's the county council which maintain our roads and the mayor’s office has nothing to do with it.

I would very much like to take this opportunity to wish Sarfaraz Raja, the next mayor of High Wycombe, all the very best and I know that he will enjoy it and be a great success.