A GIFT shop owner who is taking early retirement has warned that the days of independent shops in Marlow are numbered.

Marlow and District Chamber of Trade is also "extremely worried" about the town losing its unique character.

Veronica Cairns, 63, is shutting House and Gardens gift shop in Marlow High Street after 13 years to spend more time with her family.

She said: "Although business is still good, it is getting harder and harder to compete with the chain stores and supermarkets.

"When I first took the shop on, there were far more independents in Marlow and they were in the majority. A lot of people have sold up since and chain stores have come in their place."

She said her business rates had almost doubled in two years and added: "I think independent retailers will soon be a thing of the past in Marlow due to the internet, supermarkets, high rents and rates."

Mrs Cairns said the site had been sold to a commercial property company and it would probably be taken over by a chain store.

Mad About Gardens gift shop, in Station Road, also closed last month due to high overheads. It had been trading for three-and-a- half years.

Shop owner Sue Berrido now runs a garden design company from her home in Marlow.

Marlow and District Chamber of Trade is also concerned about the loss of independent retailers in the town.

Jo Braybrooke, former chamber president, who used to own Bonny's coffee shop in Marlow High Street, said: " I don't think there is a future for them.

"The more the rent increa- ses the higher the rates. It's just a process of supply and demand, but its pushing the smaller retailers out.

"The rate of change is alarming and we are extremely worried.

"Soon we will be just like any other town and there is nothing the chamber can do about it, although I'm sure it will be brought up again at the next chamber meeting."