High Wycombe must rekindle an element of civic pride if the town is to recover footfall and thrive, Buckinghamshire Council’s leader has said as he set out the authority’s approach to regeneration and anti-social behaviour.
Investment and partnership at the core
Steven Broadbent told councillors and residents that the council is working with local people, the business community and Thames Valley Police to improve the centre and make it more attractive to visitors for multiple reasons — shopping, food and leisure.
“We need to have an element of civic pride and make our places work. And that is the aim,”
The leader pointed to a number of projects and interventions the council is either delivering or has recently decided on, including the Denmark Street development, which will accommodate Buckinghamshire’s archives and the council’s new High Wycombe offices. He also referenced works on White Hart Street and decisions taken on Queen Victoria Road.
Tackling antisocial behaviour
Addressing anti-social behaviour remains a central theme of the council’s plans. Earlier this year the authority removed benches in Frogmoor after concerns about day drinking and drug use; Broadbent said that, while benches are desirable, they can create dwell areas that draw unwanted activity.
He said the council has stepped up practical measures, working with partners to deter offending and improve public confidence. Those measures include:
- Upgraded CCTV across key streets;
- Deployment of street wardens to provide a visible presence;
- Graffiti removal and other environmental improvements;
- Co-ordinated action with Thames Valley Police, the Business Improvement District (BIDCo) and local business groups (BBF).
Broadbent emphasised the council’s commitment to continued investment in town centres to encourage visits for a range of activities rather than a single purpose.
Practical picture: projects and status
| Project / Measure | Comment |
|---|---|
| Denmark Street | Will house archives and new council offices (in development) |
| White Hart Street | Recent council works completed |
| Queen Victoria Road | Decisions recently made by council |
While the leader described High Wycombe as “a hugely important town” for the authority, he acknowledged that improving perceptions and day-to-day experience is an ongoing task.
The council’s mix of physical regeneration and enforcement-led measures reflects a familiar approach adopted by local authorities attempting to balance town-centre revival with public safety. Residents and businesses will expect to see whether the combination of new facilities, visible enforcement and environmental upgrades translates into a quieter, cleaner and more prosperous centre.
