The delights of Eden

"The fruit of temptation is here - High Wycombe has been transformed from a building site to a shopping heaven.

As a serious shopper on a budget I was a little apprehensive - would I be able to get what I needed without my bank account going into the red?

I was immediately reassured by the major high street names - new addition H&M, Next and House of Fraser which stirred my interest.

And old favourites Top Shop, River Island and Marks & Spencer had moved into bigger stores in the centre.

But it was the smaller additions I found most welcome - Joy, a fabulous resource for gifts and Muse, beautiful yet affordable jewellery. I set myself a simple aim - get some new work clothes and something suitable for a Saturday night out. And here's the catch - I must not spend more than £100.

Almost as soon as the opening ceremony finished I found H&M had an excellent, smart selection.

Two skirts, a top and £50 lighter I had completed half the challenge.

But the selection of evening clothes in House of Fraser, Zara and Jane Norman proved overwhelming. I could not make a decision.

Like every shopaholic shoes proved high on my agenda - and good shoe shops in this market town have been in a minority till now.

But with the welcome arrival of Office and Jones Bootmaker as well as shoe sections in the larger stores, too much choice was now the problem.

Yet shopping is not just about the shops. A vibrant atmosphere and intriguing places to eat caught my attention.

Neglected male partners are also catered for with a wide selection of clothes - an array of gadgets and plenty of seating for those who can't stay the distance.

Is Eden the shoppers paradise it claims to be then? It is difficult to see where it's going wrong. It certainly beats the disappointment I felt when I first visited High Wycombe in July after three years studying in Preston, Lancashire.

My only concern is whether Eden will live up to demand. Shops are crowded now as people flock but some have mentioned parking as a problem.

Yet I found what I needed - something I would not have been able to do before. I didn't get my formal wear but I'd rather walk away empty handed because I couldn't decide rather than leave because there was nothing worth buying."