Businesses have slammed the “astronomical” £85,000 rent price of the former Costa site in Marlow’s Higginson Park – as negotiations over who will replace the coffee chain continue.

Wycombe District Council, which part-owns the plot, remained tight-lipped as to which outlet will set up shop in the park – however plans are expected to be confirmed in June.

The popular coffee chain closed its doors for the final time in April last year after it struggled to cope with the high rent - a move which was branded a “great shame” by residents and businesses alike.

Marlow businessman, Tim Wilson, raised the issue at a meeting of the Marlow Chamber of Commerce on Monday, and slammed WDC for failing to look after the town’s interests.

Mr Wilson, who runs The Ship in West Street, questioned which form of council would more inclined to help Marlow’s businesses, as the major authority shake-up looms.

He said: “If all the businesses in Marlow were paying £125 per sq ft, there would be big empty shops all up the High Street.

“Who would look after our interests in those respects? Because that to me doesn’t look as though the council is looking after our interests as a town.”

Leader of WDC, Katrina Wood, said the issue would be left in the hands of the new council, adding “it wouldn’t be something you could tell now”.

Speaking after the meeting, chamber president, Aimee Smith, slammed the yearly rent for the plot in Higginson Park as “astronomical” and said shoppers need to be encouraged to shop locally to ensure Marlow businesses thrive.

She said: “The rental prices on that building are astronomical and there is no denying that.

“The fact that a chain has been forced out because of those prices speaks volumes. It would be impossible for an independent shop to take that space on.

“What we can do is make sure people are encouraged to use the high street, use our local shops rather than jump online first so businesses remain in the area.”

Cabinet member for economic development and regeneration on WDC, Councillor Steve Broadbent, insisted the council supports a “vibrant economy” and encourages new businesses through mentoring and training programmes.

He said: “We actively support a vibrant economy through a range of initiatives, including business rate discounts, working in partnership with Business Improvement Districts to attract businesses to the area, and recognising the contribution that local businesses make to the economy through our sponsorship of the Best in Wycombe District business awards.”