We are not letting Marlow decay (From Bucks Free Press)

We are not letting Marlow decay

12:57pm Friday 3rd July 2009 in

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RE: Last week’s letter from Alasdair Gibb of Marlow Bottom who complained about the “temporary” Post Office portable building in Marlow town centre. Mr Gibb said Canadian visitors to the town had described it as a ‘Third World shack’ and asked how the authorities had allowed Marlow to ‘decay so shamefully’.

I WRITE in response to Mr Gibb’s letter last week about the temporary Post Office. I couldn’t agree more that a town like Marlow deserves a full line Post Office within its centre to serve both residents and businesses – the reality is that the current franchise system operated by the Post Office does not support a stand-alone office.

The temporary office which was agreed by Wycombe and Marlow Councils at least offers a limited range of services and Post Office facilities are also available in Oak Tree Road and Marlow Bottom.

Last year, the town council met with the Post Office to fully understand the running of a franchise and formed the view that the best way to obtain a full office in a more appropriate building would be to situate it within an existing business. However, the size and financial dynamics of shop units in the town centre make it difficult for a retail operator to include a fully-operational office. Discussions are however continuing with Wycombe District Council to see whether a relocated Area Information Office might include a Post Office. Where I disagree with Mr Gibb is that “local authorities have let it (Marlow) decay so shamefully” – it is the present economic situation that has put many businesses, including retailers out of business. Marlow has suffered along with other towns, but I am pleased to note that at least five of the empty shop units are now let or under offer, a couple of which will be opening very soon.

Buckinghamshire County Council has also recently announced a £100,000 fund to assist small businesses.

That said, Marlow, with its attractive High Street and park, is still a well-visited town and will probably be one of the first to come through the present recession.

Cllr Richard Scott, Town, district and county councillor for Marlow