The High Wycombe Town Committee met on Tuesday 23 June 2026, discussing a range of local issues and approving funding for several projects. Key decisions included allocating £10,000 towards Green Hill Crossing improvements and £3,600 for bus station community artwork, alongside an in-principle approval of up to £20,000 for a six-month pilot of nighttime economy initiatives.

Community Safety and Infrastructure

Green Hill Crossing Improvements: The committee approved £10,000 in funding towards the Green Hill Crossing Improvements project. This initiative aims to address significant road safety concerns at the junction of Coates Lane, Hughenden Road, and Green Hill, where a lack of traffic controls and confusing vehicle movements have led to safety issues, including incidents involving children. The project, which has secured £59,000 from the Opportunity Bucks programme, will involve a full design, safety audit, and potentially sustainable construction practices to improve pedestrian safety and encourage walking. Councillor Julia Wassell proposed the funding, which was seconded by Councillor Chris Chilton.

Bus Station Community Artwork: A funding request of £3,600 was approved for the High Wycombe Bus Station Community Art Project. This project aims to create a semi-permanent public art installation themed around Migration, Journeys and New Beginnings, reflecting the town's diverse population. The artwork will be developed through community engagement, including youth workshops, and will be installed at the bus station, enhancing the town centre environment and celebrating local stories. The total project cost is £8,600, with contributions from Eden, Carousel Buses, and the Community Board. Councillor Leslie Clarke OBE proposed the funding, seconded by Councillor Mahboob Hussain OBE JP.

Parking and Infrastructure: Councillor Chris Chilton, Chairman of the Parking and Infrastructure Sub-Group, provided an update on the group's work. Approximately £300,000 of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding remains available for parking-related projects. A comprehensive list of requested new parking restrictions has been compiled and submitted to the parking team for cost assessment. A second list focusing on repainting existing yellow lines and road markings is also being developed. Councillor Chilton highlighted the need for a more streamlined approach to progress these schemes, suggesting a smaller, more active group to ensure timely delivery, with a potential group size of five members being discussed.

Economic Development and Town Centre Initiatives

Nighttime Economy Pilot: The committee gave an in-principle approval of up to £20,000 to pilot nighttime economy initiatives over six months. The proposal, presented by Jacqueline Ford, Economic Partnerships Lead, aims to animate the town centre on the first Friday of each month between 5 pm and 7 pm, focusing on areas around the Guildhall and Little Market House. The pilot will explore experiential activities, build collaboration with local businesses, and aims to extend visitor stays and raise awareness of the town's offerings. Concerns were raised by Councillor Julia Wassell regarding potential risks, including increased drug dealing, and the need for robust risk assessments and security measures. Councillor Trevor Snaith voted against the proposal, stating a need for a more detailed proposal on how the £20,000 would be spent.

High Wycombe Market: Jacqueline Ford provided an update on the High Wycombe Market, noting a quieter period following the Christmas season but a growing interest from new traders. The Sunday market, now in its second year, is proving successful, with bookings already being received for the Christmas market. The market is also hosting the Young Traders Market initiative, supporting young entrepreneurs. Development initiatives for the general market include the potential reintroduction of the 'On The High Street' pilot for online sellers and the exploration of a twilight market. A strong ambition exists to re-establish a traditional farmers' market, though progress is constrained by limited funding. An additional budget of around £6,000 per year was suggested to support market development.

Financial and Strategic Updates

Special Expenses Outturn 2025/26: Fiorella Mugari, Head of Finance, presented the Special Expenses Outturn report for the financial year 2025/26. The report indicated a net underspend of £102,000 against a total budget of £483,000. A significant portion of the reserve-funded projects allocation (£387,000) remains unspent and will be rolled forward. The community grant spend showed an improvement in utilisation, with 94% of grants approved being used. Questions were raised by Councillor Lesley Clarke OBE and Councillor Chris Chilton regarding footway lighting, allotments, cemeteries, and recreation grounds expenditure.

Capital Programme and CIL Balance Update: Aqib Khan, Accountant, provided an update on the Capital Programme and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) balances. There are currently eight capital projects, with two completed, one nearing completion, and the rest active. A total of £644,000 of CIL funding remains uncommitted. Discussions included clarification on the allocation of CIL funds between Buckinghamshire Council and the High Wycombe Town Committee, with confirmation that 15% of the total CIL must be allocated to the town committee. Councillor Mazamal Hussain raised concerns about delays in the Belfair Road crossing project, and Councillor Julia Wassell inquired about the release of further funds for District Centres public realm improvements and the East Wycombe Panoramic Walkway.

HWTC Priorities Update: Wendy Morgan-Brown, Head of Partnerships & Communities, presented an update on the committee's priorities. Two priorities, the Wycombe Life magazine and updated web pages, have been completed. Several projects are in progress, including traffic calming measures, wildflower planting, and the HWTC Business Support Officer role. The Millbrook School community café project has been deemed not viable, with funds to be returned to the pot. The committee was asked to note progress and consider funding requests for Green Hill Crossing Improvements and the bus station artwork. An informal meeting was proposed for members to review and propose further priorities.

Cabinet Forward Plan and Work Programme: The committee received the Cabinet/Leader Forward Plan and the Work Programme for information. Councillor Leslie Clarke OBE requested that We Make Wycombe present their activities to the committee in November, as decisions made by the group were not always known to committee members. Councillor Hazel Arthur-Hewitt supported this, emphasizing the need to avoid cross-purposing efforts with other initiatives.

Other Discussions

Nighttime Economy: In addition to the pilot funding, Jacqueline Ford provided context on the nighttime economy, defining it as activity between 5 pm and 6 am, encompassing food, hospitality, arts, culture, and social activities. She highlighted the need for better curation and promotion of existing offerings to increase visitor stays and town centre vitality.

Parking and Infrastructure Sub-Group Update: Councillor Chris Chilton reported on the sub-group's progress, noting the compilation of requests for new parking restrictions and the development of a list for repainting existing lines. He emphasized the need for a more active and smaller group to ensure timely progress on these schemes.

The next meeting of the High Wycombe Town Committee is scheduled for 8 September 2026.