Wycombe’s MP, Steve Baker, has urged residents to “unite” around newly-approved plans to scrap the main councils in Bucks in favour of a ‘super council’.

He added it will be down to the new authority to decide if High Wycombe should get its own town council, following years of campaigning from councillors.

The politician has responded to secretary of state James Brokenshire’s move to give the green light to Bucks County Council (BCC) plans to create a single-unitary authority in the county.

Mr Baker accepted the district councils – who have long opposed the county’s plans – will be disappointed by the decision, however added: “I am confident these excellent public servants will find positions in the new unitary council.”

The first challenge the new council will face is ensuring ensure the district’s assets are used “first and foremost to serve Wycombe residents”, according to Mr Baker.

In a statement published on his website, the MP said: “All the councils in Buckinghamshire agreed the current system of county and district councils could not go on.

“My first concern is to ensure the people of Wycombe receive the best quality service from local government, responding to local concerns and with local accountability whilst keeping taxes low.

“One of the first challenges which the leader and chief executive of the new Buckinghamshire unitary council must face is how to ensure Wycombe’s assets are used first and foremost to serve Wycombe residents.

“These assets have been built-up and safeguarded over many years and my constituents rightly want reassurance they will be used to enhance services in our area.”

The new council will replace the county council and four district councils – Wycombe, South Bucks, Chiltern and Aylesbury Vale.

Services which are currently divided between the district and county councils, such as bin collections, waste disposal and planning and roads will be brought together under one authority.

Mr Baker added: “As we move forward, I hope local people will unite around proposals which will safeguard and improve the local services on which so many depend.

“With the Secretary of State’s decision, there will be calls for a town council in High Wycombe.  This will be something for the new unitary council to decide.

“It is important any new representative body in High Wycombe reflects the people who live there and has a community focus.”