HISTORY is set to be made this Tuesday when almost 11,000 voters will be given the chance to vote on Waitrose's controversial plans for West Street and Riley Road.

The public referendum was requested by the people for the people after a resolution was passed at the Marlow Town Annual Parish Meeting two weeks ago.

On Tuesday, 10,800 residents on the electoral role are eligible to vote at Holy Trinity School in Wethered Road, which will be made into a polling station.

Objectors say a no-vote against a possible Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) on Sawyer's Funeral Service could save the 100-year-old business at a public inquiry.

The Marlow Group took the initiative this week when it began delivering in excess of 5,000 flyers to homes in a bid to get people out voting.

Mike Post, of the group, hopes Waitrose will be dealt a blow by the poll result and be shown a true reflection of public opinion against its plans.

Mr Post, of Stoney Ware, said: "It's going to be a resounding no."

Waitrose has remained silent on the issue and chosen not to comment on campaigns pushing for a no-vote.

Mr Post and numerous objectors are opposed to Waitrose's 25,000 sq ft proposed development and are backing Sawyer's, whose chapel of rest would be bulldozed to make way if plans are approved.

However, the result of the vote will only be used if and when Wycombe District Council approves Waitrose's plans and it's decided that a public inquiry is needed to determine whether or not to compulsorily purchase the land.

Waitrose has previously commented it would be up to the district council to apply for a compulsory purchase order.

But even councillors noted for their opposition to Waitrose have come out against the poll.

Cllr Doug Anson said: "I think it's a bit stupid we should be asking people whether Sawyer's should be compulsorily purchased or not of course it should be protected.

"It's a business that's been in Marlow for 100 years. We are there to go the extra mile and that's exactly what we did when the application came up."

Mr Post disagreed: "That's ridiculous because what happens if it goes to appeal? Attack is the best form of defence."

Voters can poll at the school from 4pm until 9pm on the question: "Is it in the comp-elling public interest that Wycombe District Council should execute a Compulsory Purchase Order to expropriate land behind West Street owned by the Sawyer family to enable Waitrose to build a new superstore in Marlow yes or no."