PLANS to uncover the River Wye through High Wycombe could go on show in the town next month.

Parts of the river, which was once home to several flour mills, flow underneath buildings and are hidden from view.

But according to the author of a new book that chronicles the history of the Wye, there's no reason why the river can't be dug up again.

Charles Rangely-Wilson, who wrote a book called Silt Road, said: "The reasons for not uncovering it aren't necessarily insurmountable. What's buried isn't the original river, it's the course of the mill stream - that's why it's so deep underground.

"If we want to bring it to surface, we don't have to do it along its course. You can put it where you want - you can divert the river along a new course."

Mr Rangely-Wilson, the technical director of the Norfolk Rivers Trust, said the proposals to uncover the Wye again had received the backing of Wycombe District Council.

Plans are already on the table to uncover parts of the river as part of the Masterplan to redevelop High Wycombe town centre.

Mr Rangely-Wilson, who spoke to officers from the council while researching the book, said: "The idea has been suggested before. What's happened is it's now got momentum behind it. It has a lot of support from the council for making this part of a road development.

"I'm completely confident it'll be well received by the general public. Everyone I spoke to when I was researching the book felt it was a shame the river was buried, even the people on the council who explained why it was buried.

"I'm naturally an optimistic person. It all boils down to money and willpower. If there's will in the council and enough active support by the people in the town, and they want it enough, then I very much believe it can happen.

"If it does happen, I think it would be the most fantastic thing."

It's hoped a meeting outlining where and how the river could be uncovered will take place at the Guildhall some time in June.