17 February 2024 , 17:27
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The quaint town of Marlow in Buckinghamshire is a well-heeled sort of place, with a population of 14,644 people where the average resident enjoys an annual income of between £60,000 and £63,000, according to the ONS.
Almost a quarter of the population are aged over 65 and many of them are up in arms over the idea that a new Wetherspoons pub will attract “the wrong sort of people” to their leafy town.
Marlow’s Market Square is home to independent boutiques, restaurants and coffee shops, and the proposed change of use for the old M&Co store into a Wetherspoons has locals worried an unsavoury element may be attracted to the town.
Tom Kerridge's Michelin star pub, The Coach, sits opposite the proposed site of the chain boozer, where The Coach Burger with Smoked Cheddar, Cola Braised Beef and Dill Pickle will set you back £19.50. This is in contrast to the £8.55 Wetherspoons beer and a burger deal.
One local reportedly expressed their concern that the chain pub’s arrival would spoil Marlow, saying: “There is no need for cheap food and cheap beer lowering the tone and ruining the town.”
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Marlow is the place where the Royal Swan Upper historically keeps a record of the King's birds (Getty Images/EyeEm)Another resident, Jeremy Bettis, 67, told MailOnline: “I have been coming here for 30 years and when I think of Marlow, I think of upmarket and clean. There are many fine independent shops, restaurants and bars and that is the appeal.
“I don't think there should be a Wetherspoons in the heart of the town. It will spoil the demographic and is going to attract…” he paused briefly “...not the wrong people - just a different demographic.”
On Buckinghamshire Council’s planning website, local resident Hugh Fickling wrote: “There is no need for an additional public house, especially one that promotes cheap procurement of alcohol.
“The pub is part of a large chain, this will remove revenue from locally owned businesses. The high street has seen a huge proportion of businesses disappear in recent years.
“There will be no economic and social benefit to the town.People spilling out in the main street of Marlow whilst intoxicated is unsafe.”
But not everyone in the leafy home counties town is against the idea. Beryl Simmonds told MailOnline: 'I think it's a great idea. Other pubs and restaurants in Marlow are far too expensive.
“Wetherspoons are great when you have young children and grandchildren. You can bring them out to a place which offers great value for money. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to bring them out.
“I think the problem is that those from the posh side of Marlow do not want us in their part of town.”