A COUNCILLOR said there was a “mob mentality” at a meeting arranged between the town council and Princes Risborough traders about the one way system.

Retailers met town councillors last week to discuss their opinion about the implementation of the one way system with some saying it had “crucified trade” in the centre. (See links below)

At the Princes Risborough Town Council meeting last night councillor Gary Hall said: “Some of what we were faced with were a mob and not a very pleasant mob. It was a mob mentality.”

He added he had also received three “very serious allegations” in the last 48 hours about people being forced to sign a petition against the system.

He said: “My understanding is that people have been pressured into signing petitions recently where people have been fairly pro the one way system or haven't had a strong view on it and they have been pressured- I will call it strong encouragement.”

Cllr Hall added: “I think that this matter is bigger than the town council.” The councillors voted in favour of reporting the matter to the police to investigate.

The one way system which runs from the Duke Street roundabout through the High Street to Horns Lane with bikes able to go in both directions has caused controversy since it was introduced in November.

Cllr Hall also criticised fellow councillors Bill Bendyshe- Brown and Carl Etholen for speaking out against the system at the last meeting when they asked for it to be reversed. (See links below)

He said: “I believe you have inflamed the situation.

“There are problems with the one way system but solvable problems. They have now been turned into a crisis.

“I think you have gone around in pied piper fashion and said follow me and everyone has followed you.”

Cllr Eunice Clifford said there are many factors contributing towards the situation.

She said the country is in an economic recession, it is just after Christmas, the weather has put people off and because of the “brilliant” bus service is it easy to go elsewhere.

She also said some people decide to go to other shops where they can find products cheaper.

A meeting has now been arranged with Buckinghamshire County Council on March 2 with four members from the town council.

Councillors agreed to raise three points about the one way system which were suggesting to remove the cycle lane, asking for parking bays in Duke Street and suggesting a merge system at the top of the High Street into Horns Lane.