Three councils will collaborate on parking problems in Marlow, in what has been branded a “historic step forward” for the town.

Marlow mayor Cllr Jocelyn Towns and deputy mayor Chris Funnell met with Bucks County Council’s (BCC) deputy leader and cabinet member for transportation, Mark Shaw, and Wycombe District Council’s (WDC) cabinet member for environment, Julia Adey, on January 17 to discuss the issues that prompted BCC to put forward plans to introduce paid-for parking in the town centre.

The proposals were slammed by businesses and residents, the town council, Marlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce and the Marlow Society, who all made it clear that they were “totally against” the plans.

BCC is set to launch a consultation on February 9, running until March 10, with a drop-in session on February 15 at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, in West Street.

The town council said following the meeting with BCC and WDC it has now reached an agreement for all three councils to join forces on the parking issues.

Cllr Towns said: “This was a historic day that we have fought for and we’re delighted that we now have a forum to move forward. The meeting was a great success.

“It’s been a long time coming, but now we have started the ball rolling, we will work closely with both councils to find a way forward for Marlow.

“The other councils listened to our issues, and I have great faith in this team.”

She added that the next meeting to review suggestions on how to manage parking in the town has been set between the three councils.

She said: “It is imperative the voice of Marlow residents is heard loud and clear.

“We urge residents to be ready to make their representations online and in person.”