Readers have described High Wycombe as a nightlife 'ghost town' after a popular pub closed its doors for good this week.
The Chiltern Taps on Oxford Road shut its doors this week after its parent company RedCat filed for administration on Thursday, March 28.
A statement from the company described the pub’s closure as a “proactive step” forward, resulting from either its underperformance compared to other venues or it no longer suiting RedCat’s portfolio.
The closure – which comes in the wake of several retailers also shutting up shop in the town – has prompted a wave of strong reactions from Bucks Free Press readers, many of whom took to Facebook to share their regret at the popular venue’s closure after more than six years.
Tim Holden said: "Wycombe's a ghost town with regards to nightlife. You'd never think it was a university town, no idea what students do for a night out."
Jonny Hale added: "The rate of things closing down is quite worrying!" and Paul Snook described the news as "such a shame", fondly remembering the "many great memories" he had made at the pub, which had "some of the friendliest staff I have ever met".
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Rebecca Gimenez also said she "couldn't believe" the venue was shutting its doors, reminiscing about its "atmosphere" and popular karaoke nights.
Meanwhile, Kevin Copestake suggested that people should take action to boost custom at their locals, rather than bemoaning closures brought on by economic difficulties.
He said: "We're all complaining about things closing down, but if people don't spend money at these places, then they close.
"I wonder how many of the 'ghost town' clowns have spent real money here in the last 12 months."
Independent model shop Collectables R Us is the most recent shop to announce its closure in the town, with a departure from the Eden Shopping Centre in the cards for the near future.
It follows in the footsteps of the popular toyshop Toys UK as well as major brands The Body Shop and Zara, all of which have shut their doors since the beginning of the year.
Will you miss the Chiltern Taps?
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