The leader of the county council quashed fears Marlow could lose ownership of Higginson Park if a ‘super council’ is created in Buckinghamshire.

The green flag park is currently managed by trustee Wycombe District Council - however concerns have been raised that ownership could be lost if all councils in Bucks are scrapped in favour of a unitary authority.

Marlow’s Chamber of Commerce gathered at the rowing club on Monday (May 21) for a debate led by leader of Bucks County Council (BCC), Martin Tett, and leader of Wycombe District Council (WDC) Katrina Wood on a major authority shake-up in Buckinghamshire.

The deeds for Higginson Park were presented to Marlow in the early 1900s by General Sir George Higginson – with WDC eventually taking over management as the sole trustee.

Chamber treasurer, Rod Braybrooke, aired fears the ownership of the park would be transferred to Aylesbury, therefore losing its connection to Marlow, if a unitary authority is created.

He said: “Our jewel is Higginson Park. Higginson Park belongs to Marlow. What happens to Higginson Park if we become one authority?”

It is understood that assets like Higginson Park would initially be transferred to the new authority, according to Cllr Tett, however he insisted that “nothing would change”.

The leader said: “The legal understanding is that all the assets, liabilities and responsibilities of the preceding authorities would transfer to the new unitary authority.

“It would then be up for a unitary authority to decide in conjunction with discussions with people like the town council what they would like to take on. That is completely up to them…

“Nothing would change.”

Cllr Wood added that the park could potentially be handed over to Marlow Town Council – however this has not been confirmed.

A major authority shake-up in Bucks has been up for debate for almost two years – with BCC campaigning for one ‘super council’ while the four district councils have pushed for two – one for the north and one for the south of the county.

A vote at the end of Monday’s meeting suggested Marlow’s businesses remain divided on the decision – with around eight people showing support for one council, nine backing two, and four were still undecided.

In a last ditch effort to convince Marlow businesses that unitary is the best way forward, Cllr Tett said: “We need a big council that speaks for a significant number of people to get face time with secretaries of state.

“If you are a small council the reality is you are shoved down the line. You will be talking to a junior minster somewhere.”

Speaking for the two-unitary campaign, Cllr Wood said: “We think it will provide better opportunities. It is about focusing on the right economy to grow.

“Two new unitary councils would mean better investment, better jobs and the right level of growth in the north and south of Bucks.”