In these harsh economic times business needs every bit of help it can get and the powers that be should be doing their utmost to ensure the town flourishes.

You can imagine how disgusted I was to read the news article that appeared on this site yesterday about the closure of the farmers market on Frogmoor.

According to the news article the powers that be have denied the market permission to place advertising signs around the town including at the gateway to the town on Marlow Hill.

I can't see anything wrong with a tastefully designed sign placed in the town. Surely Wycombe should be proud that it has a farmers market? It seems the powers that be have different ideas....

Nearby towns like Beaconsfield have a successful farmers market so why can't Wycombe? If it takes a little help like placing some advertising around the town then so be it.

From what I can see the only thing stopping Wycombe from thriving is the powers that be.

The impression they appear to be giving is one of reluctance to help local business while they jump at the chance to close and shut down facilities.

After the closure of Holywell Mead pool, the sale of Bassetsbury Manor, the killing off of the Environment Centre, the total destruction of the High Street, the mothballing of a large number of retail units due to the building of the complex and now the unhelpful attitude towards the farmers market surely it is apparent that Wycombe is being run into the ground?

Only the other day the results of the £9,000 consultation into the future of the Holywell Mead pool were dismissed because supposedly the consultation was “hijacked” by supporters of the pool.

Where is the evidence of the consultation being “hijacked”? If it exists let's see it!

It is becoming apparent that the wishes of the people are being ignored while madcap schemes like the new “community” stadium are ploughing ahead despite the community never being asked if they want a stadium!

The use of the word “community” is in my opinion a cynical marketing ploy to justify the waste of potentially millions of tax payers money on something that is totally unnecessary.

One thing is for sure, the killing off of the farmers market is sending out all the wrong signals to business. It makes Wycombe look like a place where investment is rewarded with a kick in the teeth.

Most towns would jump at the chance to have a farmers market but not Wycombe.

Let this be a warning to business. Don't waste your time starting up in Wycombe because the powers that be seem more interested in closing enterprise down with red tape and bureaucracy than allowing it to flourish.

Maybe the powers that be should be closed down? How about holding a local referendum on that very issue?

RIP Wycombe, your days are numbered. Would the last man out please turn off the lights....

What do you think?