February 16, 2001 9:42: A JOBS crisis has hit Marlow because there are too many vacancies and not enough people to fill them and now business leaders have warned this could spell disaster for the town.

Employers are finding it increasingly difficult to attract people to work in the service industries.

The BP garage on the Little Marlow Road has been closing five hours early each day for the past three months owing to staff shortages.

Mark Bacon, area manager for BP, said: "This is very unusual for Marlow. In my experience we've never had this problem here before. We are very keen to get the garage back to its normal 10pm closing time."

Colin Berks, president of the Marlow Chamber of Trade, said this was a growing problem and could have serious consequences for life in the town.

He added: "We have been going on about this for years. There is no adequate public transport and we can't attract people from out of the area. We need better public transport and more affordable housing. If businesses can't operate properly then the community will be damaged."

Bramley's sandwich shop in Spittal Street, Marlow, reported difficulties in finding staff.

Sue Berrido, owner, said: "Finding the right people for the service industry in Marlow is a task and does need a lot of work. It is not a case of simply advertising a position. You have to search hard."

Laurence Andrews, franchise holder at the Esso garage on the Little Marlow Road, said he is constantly advertising for new staff.

He added: "It is very difficult to find staff here. I have always got an advert out for workers."

Elizabeth Wintgens, owner of the Wintgens Gallery in the High Street, said: "The problem with Marlow is there are too many chiefs and not enough Indians. I'm lucky to have an excellent staff at the moment but they are extremely hard to come by."

A spokesman for Wycombe District Council said: "We do try to provide affordable housing across the district and negotiate regularly with developers, but constraints in Marlow limit the amount of land available for housing."

If you are jobless and over 18 then call the BP garage on (01628) 476839 and ask for the manager.