Marlow has been named the ‘best kept small town’ in Buckinghamshire – despite ‘political and budgeting anxieties’.

The pretty riverside town won the Michaelis Cup in this year’s Best Kept Village contest – beating title-holder Wendover and runner-up Buckingham to claim the title in the category dedicated to lightly larger-than-village locales.

Marlow just missed out on the top prize in recent years, which, alongside the “political and budgeting anxieties” town council leader Chris Funnell says have hung over the town in last year, makes the triumph that bit sweeter.

It hasn’t been the easiest year for the council, with public opposition to the Marlow Film Studios project leading three members to consider legal action after “abuse” over their perceived support of the plans.

But such peaks and troughs only paint the town’s Best Kept Village win as a greater “success story” according to Cllr Funnell who also served as Marlow Mayor between 2018 and 2019.

He said: “Amid ever-increasing expectations, the council team, residents and community groups have all risen to the occasion, and we owe winning this prestigious cup to their hard work and dedication.

“We should relish this success and use it as motivation for greater challenges like tackling environmental issues. This kind of recognition gives us a great foundation to work from.”

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The Best Kept Village competition was based on a thorough review of various parts and aspects of the town, including its green areas, cemeteries and places of worship, children’s play areas and an assessment of local village halls and community centres.

The Bucks-based contest, which is annually judged between June and July, was established in 1957 by Sir Francis Dashwood and the Local Councils’ Association.

The town council announced plans in the spring to do-up the cemetery, May Balfour Gardens, The Causeway and Gossmore Park, among other areas, in a bid to nab the top spot.

The title also relies on an overview of Marlow’s community spirit, which, with groups like the Marlow Wombles, the Marlow Society and the Marlow Players, can hardly be denied.

Speaking earlier this year, current Mayor David Brown said he was “looking forward to showing the judges just how beautiful Marlow can be”. Mission accomplished!