THE Chilterns shopping centre has nothing to fear about next year's opening of High Wycombe's Eden development, according to its manager.

Bill Pollard, who has been in charge at the centre in Frogmoor since 1987, said he was excited about the prospect of Wycombe's development. And he welcomed the town's chance to show its character in the Mayor Making ceremony on Saturday.

He said: "It's a new opportunity for us. As one door closes another door opens. And just look at Reading - they said that development would kill the town centre, but just look how popular it has become.

"We're confident that more people that have businesses in town will benefit. It will put High Wycombe into the top 50 towns in the country and that's got to be good for everybody. We've actually had interest at the Chilterns Centre from retailers looking for premises. I think we can go from strength to strength."

He was also pleased that the town could celebrate unique events like the Mayor Making ceremony. He said: "With all this sort of thing going on, it's an opportunity for people to see Wycombe's heritage. I think it's absolutely wonderful that it continues, and long may it do so. It's something unique.

"There's a lot going on in town like this, and Wycombe Art Festival, and it's all for everyone's benefit."