HERE we take a look at the £135 million redevelopment planned for High Wycombe which promises new shops, leisure and transport facilities to revitalise the town centre.

WHILE Eden heaved with shoppers other parts of High Wycombe fell into near silence.

Some traders fear yesterday was the beginning of the end - others were more optimistic about Eden's impact.

As Eden opened to a glamorous fanfare of dancing, music and fireworks at 10am there were few shoppers to be seen in the Chilterns shopping centre.

John Richardson, pictured, of toy stall JR Motors, said: "I have been down here since Monday and I haven't made enough to pay the rent yet.

"I have been coming here for ten or so years but I am going to have to stop trading here soon.

"People aren't going to come into this shopping centre at all."

Menswear shop Burtons is to move from the centre into Eden in two months time. Manager Phil Rouse said: "It is too soon to tell but I think the Chilterns is going to die off."

But Abdul Wajid, pictured below, manager of Top Fashion, said although Eden may initially take shoppers away the centre will still have something to offer.

He said: "Today, tomorrow and the weekend everyone will be going there first and then coming back.

"If people go inside the new centre they will compare prices and maybe come back here. Slowly it will help us here."

And The Coffee Shop manager Khalil Ahmed said: "There will be more opportunities because there will be more customers from other towns.

"Maybe it will be difficult in the first few months and then it will change. We also have regular customers."

Frogmoor was quiet - only when a ferris wheel was unveiled to celebrate Eden's opening did shoppers flock to it.

But David Huntley, pictured left, owner of Hull, Loosely and Pearce furniture shop, Frogmoor said: "People say Eden will bring people into the town but there is going to be nothing to walk around here because so many shops are closing."

But traders would have to offer something that Eden does not said Matt Billsborough, owner of new age retailer Ruby Moon.

He said: "We have a reputation for being a little bit different here so the people going to Eden won't be affecting us."

Russell Lacey, owner of Desborough pets, Desborough Road, said he was in a strong position as a direct competitor was not opening in Eden.

Yet he remained optimistic about the rest of the town: "It will bring more people in which can only

10:18am Friday 14th March 2008

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