THE controversial stadium plan was axed because not enough of its supporters made their voices heard, says a resident behind a new stadium campaign.

Painter and decorator Eric Buckle believes the project to build a 17,500 capacity stadium and sports village at Booker was ‘destroyed by the minority’.

The 60-year-old Stokenchurch resident is now rallying the pro-stadium troops in a bid to get the project back on the agenda.

He said: "The stadium was a golden opportunity and if we don’t act and take that opportunity now, we may never get the chance again and we’ll regret it.

"There are so many people for it but they didn’t come forward. It was just the negative minority of people who live nearby and a few councillors.

"I’m hoping those in favour will speak up so we can kick start it again.

"I would still like to see it in Booker, I think it is a good place, but I think anywhere would be good – this is a golden opportunity for the town, the people and the next generation. It’s not just about Steve Hayes and the clubs."

Wycombe District Council’s Cabinet decided in July to pull out of the project and has not heard from Wycombe Sports Developments Ltd since then.

Leader Cllr Alex Collingwood said: "To date, Wycombe District Council has not been approached by Wycombe Wanderers or London Wasps about a stadium."

Gary Nuttall, chairman of the Groups Against Stadium Proposals, said: "The council’s cabinet did a proper evaluation and realised it wasn’t feasible.

"I’m sure Mr Buckle has his own opinion and clearly thinks it should have been built, but the Cabinet was in a more informed position."

Click on the link on the right to read Mr Buckles' letter to the BFP.