Don't just cater for Gerrards Cross people in High Wycombe

5:01pm Friday 12th October 2007

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I HAVE unashamedly been one of the cheerleaders for the new Eden shopping and leisure centre in High Wycombe and can't wait until it opens in March next year.

But I have to confess to being a tad worried now about its effect on the rest of the town.

We have always been told there is a ripple' effect which means that once Eden gets off the ground, all the other places in High Wycombe will benefit from the influx of new shoppers. The whole town will grow and reap the great retail whirlwind, and we will all live happily ever after.

However, I do have one nagging doubt about this theory.

Eden is exactly what Wycombe needs. Its broadly upmarket range of shops, restaurant and leisure facilities will appeal to a huge number of people, and will bring in customers from Beaconsfield, Gerrards Cross, Marlow and all the other wealthy areas around here.

Great. It will liven up the town, bring in loads of cash and make it a happier, smilier, more affluent place.

But, hang on, what about the less affluent people? They do actually exist in High Wycombe and there are rather a lot of them. There are tons of cash-strapped pensioners, hordes of low-income families and hundreds of students.

They are the real population of central High Wycombe and they need somewhere to go as well. I was never previously worried because I thought Eden would mix in well with the rest of the town's retail offerings and perhaps it still will. And, of course, there should still be plenty for the less affluent to enjoy at Eden.

The thing, though, that really bothered me and threw a spanner in my works was the news that Wycombe District Council has brought in a new company to run High Wycombe's ancient market.

The council has dropped the High Wycombe Market Traders Association, which ran the show for 15 years, and awarded the contract to a company from Reading.

The traders complain this will eventually lead to higher rents and force them out. WDC has moved to head off this criticism by capping rent increases for the next two years. Fair enough. I accept WDC has generally played a blinder over Eden and deserves a pat on the back for making this all happen. I also don't object to the council making a brave unpopular decision for what it believes is the greater good of the town.

No, it's the reason for making this decision that concerns me.

The following is an extract from a council statement, sent in by spokesman Catherine Spalton. about new market operators Hughmark International: "They will develop the existing market to create a modern, attractive market place that will cater for the additional 100,000 visitors a week it is anticipated that Eden will attract.

"Hughmark International will offer a relaxed, safe, comfortable and enjoyable market environment which, along with the traditional market offer, will also provide a wider range and choice of products, including farmers', continental, cheese, wine, charity and commercial market stalls. New awnings and continental-style stalls, which will gradually be introduced, will revitalise the appearance of the market itself."

Sounds pretty classy, doesn't it? But is it really Wycombe?

My idea of a market is of East End barrow boys calling out: "20 shtrawberrys for a pound. Six boxes of tomatoes for 20p. Come on luv, don't miss out on the bargains."

Will all of this survive among the traditional market offer' the council talks about? Or will we instead now get Sloane Rangers calling out: "Two cappucinos for ten pounds. One egg nog latte for £7.50. Don't miss out on the bargains."

I'm prepared to be proven wrong. It has happened in the past, and no one will be more pleased than me if I am.

But the council has to be careful. In giving us the wonderful Eden, it also has to retain the essential character of a working class, industrial town. Gerrards Cross people are very welcome and should be made to feel at home here - but then so should High Wycombe people, because it is after all still their town.