Debate about whether or not the River Wye, currently buried under concrete in parts of High Wycombe town centre, should be brought back to the surface have been going on for years.

But the Bucks Free Press is today launching a poll to get the opinions of readers once and for all. 

Bringing the important chalk stream back to the surface after it was buried years ago had got the thumbs up from organisations like the High Wycombe Society and Revive the Wye and many readers. 

However, despite a convincing case worked on by Cllr Hugh McCarthy dating back to 2017, the plans were shelved by the then-Wycombe District Council back in October 2019 because of the costs - although they admitted the plan had widespread support. 

Reopening the river through the town centre would likely have cost around £3 million – but a task group set up to look at whether it could be done said the project was “feasible”.

Although the project was shelved by the old district council, in March this year, Cllr Martin Tett, leader of Buckinghamshire Council, agreed it would be "fantastic" and an "absolute jewel for High Wycombe" - but said there would be "significant logistical issues" relating to the Abbey Way flyover, and again funding was mentioned. 

Cllr McCarthy said the river would help draw in shoppers and the local economy could see £7 in return for every £1 spent on the project.

With the issue of raising the river up from below the concrete in a bid to attract more people into the town centre still firmly in people's minds, we want to hear from you, once and for all. 

Take part in our poll to have a say - and if you have any further comments to add, email them to stephanie.wareham@newsquest.co.uk