https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/news/24596829.wycombe-will-not-get-council-despite-majority-wanting

The decision not to give High Wycombe its own town council despite a majority of people backing the move is ‘hypocrisy’, campaigners have said.

WILL WE GET A TOWN COUNCIL?

In September, the Standards and General Purposes Committee of Buckinghamshire Council will have the opportunity to change the face of local democracy for High Wycombe. This historic decision could finally grant the town its own Town Council, aligning it with other communities in Buckinghamshire that already benefit from direct local representation.

High Wycombe, a town steeped in history and a vital economic hub within Buckinghamshire, has long been without a Town Council—a dedicated voice to represent its interests and address the unique needs of its community. Despite contributing significantly to the region’s prosperity, High Wycombe remains an outlier, with no direct control over local services, decision-making, or access to funds that could enhance local projects.

“Why Not High Wycombe?”

Every other area in Buckinghamshire has a Town or Parish Council, providing them with autonomy and a stronger say in local governance. The absence of a Town Council in High Wycombe has led to missed opportunities, particularly in securing matching funds for projects that could greatly benefit the community.

Voices of the Community

Luke Simcock, a proud resident of High Wycombe, expressed his support for the formation of a Town Council, stating, “If all other areas in Buckinghamshire have their own councils, why should High Wycombe be left behind? A Town Council would be a champion for our community, advocating for our needs, managing our resources effectively, and ensuring that High Wycombe continues to be a place where people want to live, work, and invest.”

Khalil Ahmed, who submitted the initial Community Governance Review to the former Wycombe District Council (WDC), added, “It is clear that the will of the people of High Wycombe has been denied the right to local democracy. They have voiced their wishes through the community governance review and more recently through the consultation. Buckinghamshire Council has a duty to respect the choice of the people of High Wycombe and honour the practices that define their framework, where community boards work with town and parish councils to deliver services and best value to residents.”

The campaign to get a town council was initially led  by a number of past Mayors who have seen with their own eyes  how our town has struggled without a Town Council . Trevor Snaith said  “A Town Council for High Wycombe would not only honour and celebrate the town’s rich history but also ensure it continues to thrive as a key economic and cultural centre.  With a dedicated and passionate council, the town could make decisions that directly benefit its residents, from improving local infrastructure to launching initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life.”

Local MP support

High Wycombe’s cause has also gained support from Emma Reynolds, the local MP. She has issued a statement saying, “The Labour government is committed to devolving power, and that should happen here in Buckinghamshire. I strongly support the campaign for a High Wycombe Town Council. I will raise this with Martin Tett, the Bucks Council leader, next week and ask why the Conservatives don’t seem to support a High Wycombe Town Council. There is widespread support among residents and cross-party support for this. It is clearly unfair that High Wycombe is the only major town in Buckinghamshire not to benefit from a town council. All other major towns in the county, such as Aylesbury, Amersham, Chesham, Beaconsfield, and Marlow, benefit from one.”

Councillor Endorsement

Cllr Majid Hussain said “As a councillor serving this great town, I am deeply committed to ensuring that High Wycombe receives the recognition, resources, and representation it deserves. A Town Council would provide High Wycombe with a dedicated body focused solely on the needs and aspirations of our community. It would give us greater control over local services, empower us to make decisions that directly impact our town, and unlock funding opportunities that we currently miss out on.This means we could better invest in improving our infrastructure via the Consultation process, enhancing our public spaces, and supporting initiatives that bring our community closer together. This is an opportunity to give the people of High Wycombe a stronger voice and a greater say in our future. I believe that together, we can make High Wycombe an even better place to live, work, and raise our families. Let’s unite in making this vision a reality. High Wycombe deserves nothing less.

Next Steps

The residents of High Wycombe now await the outcome of the Standards and General Purposes Committee meeting on 10th September. The decision could mark a new chapter in the town’s history, granting it the representation it has long deserved. In the event of a refusal, the community is prepared to explore all available options to challenge the council’s decision and continue the struggle for local democracy.

Return of Town Council in Margaret Thatcher’s hometown

A Lincolnshire town is getting its council back after a 50-year hiatus.

It was one of only a very few towns in Lincolnshire that did not have a Town or Parish Council. This created a democratic gap where there was no unique town body to formally speak for Grantham residents.

The creation of a Grantham Town Council will provide an alternative and more appropriate forum for Grantham Councillors to consider Grantham events.

Grantham Town Council was abolished in 1974.

However, it will return in May 2024 when elections are held to choose 22 councillors.

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s grocer father, Alfred Roberts, was first elected on to the council as an independent in 1927. He also served as mayor.

District councillor Gareth Knight said the return of the council would mean “Grantham affairs are run by Grantham people”.

Fellow district councillor Lee Steptoe said it would “give the people of Grantham a voice”.

It was agreed in 2023 to reform the authority, which will sit alongside the district council, just like other parish and town councils in the district currently do.

Other towns in the district, including Bourne and Stamford, already have their own town councils.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3edyvl045o

Aylesbury Town Council has a passionate team,25 dedicated Town councillors plus a Mayor doing great things for the town.

High Wycombe Town Committee under Buckinghamshire Council does not have any dedicated staff and has no decision-making powers to improve our town

Info supplied by Aylesbury Town Council…

“As a town council we are not constrained in the same way as the larger councils.  It is known that parish councils are more flexible, cost effective than the higher authorities.“

The Town Council is very much appreciated by residents as well as the business community of the town.  We have dedicated Community Liaison Officers for the town centre as well as someone who works locally with communities on various projects.

• We provide all the towns floral schemes at a significant cost, which is very much appreciated by all, including visitors to the town.
• We do 9 grass cuts a year not only for the town but several neighbouring parish councils as we are the “Cluster Lead” for these councils.  We work closely with Bucks Council Highways Team and it is acknowledged that if we were to hand back these devolved services, the work would stop as Buckinghamshiore Council does not have the resources or staffing to do what we do under the Devolved Services Agreement – other town and parish councils do the same.
• We have taken on (back) from Bucks Council, 3 community centres in the town and we are in the process of purchasing the Railway Club building in Aylesbury which will used as a much-needed community hub – we are currently doing a public consultation on this and have received a significant number of positive replies on this with ideas for the community hub coming from residents.
• We carry out additional services for Bucks Council (which they pay us for) such as tree works – our maintenance team have skill sets that cover tree surgeon works, mechanical skills etc that saves us money in repairs as well as being able to do work at reduced costs rather than expensive contractors.
• We also have a budget of £50,000 pa which we use to distribute grants to local organisations and groups which have a community benefit – this is very much appreciated as it covers things like, sports grants, lunch clubs etc that all benefit the community or individuals.
• We have a town magazine which is distributed free to all households in Aylesbury (63,000 + residents).
• We also do civic events in addition to our community events.  The civic events are Mayoral and include Remembrance Service, Hon Recorders Dinner (the town council appoints the Honorary Recorder,(usually a Resident Crown Court Judge, for the town), Wreath laying service at the cemetery memorial, reception for local organisations and businesses as well as hospitality by the Mayor in the Mayors Parlour etc. 
• The Mayoralty is important as the Mayor is the First Citizen of the Town and the Town Clerk is the Second Citizen (Protocol and Procedures for Mayoralty as directed in the “Red Book” called Civic Ceremonial which details how the Mayoralty works and the support from the Town Clerk.
• The town council is represented on various committees at Bucks Council and insists that all proposals for the town or matters that will affect the town by Bucks Council or anyone else, that the town council is consulted
• We insist on proper engagement as we are very protective of our town and the fact that we are the first tier council/local authority for the town and even if we do not own specific land/building etc – if it is in our Parish then we have the right to be involved

Events and activities

• St George’s Day Historical Fayre Sunday 21 April, 11am – 4pm – Discover Bucks Museum and Market Square.  To celebrate St George’s Day with a day steeped in English history, taking place at Discover Bucks Museum, Uniformed Youth and Dignitary Parade around the town centre . Led by Amersham Marching Band, St George on horseback and a dragon!
• Freedom Parade Sunday 28 April, in association with RAF Halton to celebrate the RAF’s Freedom of the Town.  Mayoral and Civic event. 
• Soapbox Derby Sunday 16 June, 11am – 4pm – Whitehill Park , Racing homemade, gravity powered carts through Whitehill Park, with additional family entertainment and music.
• Aylesbury on Sea Sunday 7 July, 11am – 4pm – Vale Park.  With 60 tonnes of sand and traditional seaside entertainment in Vale Park, including Punch & Judy, land train, face painting and a wide range of games and activities. 
• Parklife Weekend Live in the Park, Saturday 24 August, 12pm – 9:30pm – Vale Park  Am entire day of continuous live music and family entertainment – with music, bands, fun fair and lots of free family fun, including a Community Involvement Area and market stalls.
• Proms in the Park , 25 August, 7:15pm – 9:30pm – Vale Park, Aylesbury, Open air proms concert, The weekend finishes with a fantastic FIREWORK display
• Heritage Open Days Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 September – Multiple Locations across town.
• Coordination of independent businesses and organisations who open their doors and provide access to usually unseen parts of the town and include additional free activities, to celebrate our towns heritage, culture and community. The Mayor’s Parlour and Council Chamber is open as part of this event.  
• Walking Play An immersive walking play performed by Unbound Theatre from Queens Park Arts Centre where factual events are mixed with fictitious storytelling. Four performances take place over two days.
• Christmas on the Cobbles Sunday 24 November, 1-6pm – Market Square, Friars Square, Kingsbury. A day of fun, games, crafts, activities and entertainers in and around Market Square and Friars Square, includes fun fair rides for younger children in Kingsbury. Santas parade, featuring a range of local groups and organisations as well as professional entertainers and of course the “big man” himself, Father Christmas. The parade will finish with the counting down to the switch on of the towns Christmas lights and a finale spectacle for the entire family to enjoy. 
• Carolfest Sunday 8 December, 6-7pm – St Mary’s Church. sing along to your favourite Christmas carols, accompanied by a brass band and local choir. Hot chocolate and mince pies are also served.

We feel compelled to set the record straight. Contrary to Mr. Baker’s assertions, this campaign is not politically driven by any one individual party.

The initiative for a Town Council for High Wycombe was instigated by past mayors of our town. This endeavour enjoys widespread support from various quarters including past mayors, High Wycombe Burgesses and Aldermen, individuals spanning diverse political affiliations, Buckinghamshire Councillors, Faith Leaders, community leaders, community groups, Charities, businesses, and a significant portion of the local populace.

Moreover, the National Association of Local Councils has expressed its apprehension regarding the deficiency of local democracy in High Wycombe, underscoring the urgency of establishing a Town Council.

We find it disconcerting that Mr Baker appears to overlook the crucial importance of enhancing the quality of life in our town and restoring a sense of pride for the benefit of our residents and children. Over the years, we have observed a dearth of investment from the Council of Buckinghamshire, resulting in inadequate maintenance of the town centre and its surrounding wards.

The High Wycombe Town Committee, as it stands, lacks decision-making authority, serving merely as an advisory body. This leaves our town at a disadvantage compared to others with more empowered local governance structures.

The precept we currently pay does not deliver anything for our town, especially when compared to the impactful projects undertaken by neighbouring town councils for the betterment of their communities. This stark contrast underscores the need for a Town Council in High Wycombe to not only address pressing issues but also to invest in initiatives that will enhance our town’s welfare and vitality.

Regarding the prospect of a Town Council, esteemed voices from our community express their unwavering support:

Alderman Peter Cartwright, a stalwart of our town for nearly six decades, emphasizes the necessity for town councillors to scrutinize issues meticulously and advocate for the town’s best interests.

Imam Haseeb Jahangir from the Multi-faith chaplaincy at BNU underscores the potential for equity and effective representation through a Town Council.

Brian Pearce, a former Mayor of High Wycombe and past Parish Councillor for Great Marlow, highlights the transformative impact a Town Council could have on the town and its neighbouring communities.

Richard Lloyd, Leader of Aylesbury Town Council, underscores the enhanced service and local accountability achieved through town councils.

West Wycombe Parish Council emphasizes the importance of representation for residents in unparished areas.

Cllr Darren Hayday , Independent Buckinghamshire Councillor, observed how the town has been hindered by limited funding and control, leading to a decline seen in lost services and deteriorating town centre, emphasizing the need for a Town Council to empower the community in revitalizing Wycombe.

Local residents echo the sentiment, expressing their frustration with the current lack of effective governance and the pressing need for a Town Council to address longstanding issues.

It is regrettable that amidst our town’s plea for change and a stronger local voice, Mr. Baker seems either misinformed or intent on spreading misinformation for political gain.

A High Wycombe Town Council would work with Buckinghamshire  Council to achieve better outcomes for our town and residents.

Its time to put pride and love back into High Wycombe. Say yes to a High Wycombe Town Council