Villagers say Bottom has been knocked out of celebrations for top oarsman Villagers say Bottom has been knocked out of celebrations for top oarsman

VILLAGERS in Marlow Bottom are feeling a little miffed that the village's most famous son Olympian Steve Redgrave is being claimed as a Marlovian.

Residents are upset that the place where Steve was born and still lives today, is being neglected in both the celebrations and in quotes like 'Marlow's greatest son'.

Gwynne Watson, who has lived in the Valley since 1948 first met the rower when he was just six weeks old.

Mrs Watson, 83, said: 'We definitely see him as a son of Marlow Bottom. It is very unfortunate that we get over-looked. I would like to see the valley get more recognition.'

Another resident complained that in 1996 the village had to plead with Wycombe District Council to be included in the celebrations and this year no local organisations had been approached regarding the planned street party.

Mike Williams of Marlow Bottom, whose e-mail to the BBC on the subject appears on its website, said: 'I have spoken to various people about this and had quite a strong response. The issue was also raised at a residents' meeting on Wednesday night and most people felt pretty strongly.'

A Wycombe District Council spokesman said that in line with previous celebrations for Steve Redgrave the council had been in close contact with groups including Marlow Town Council, Great Marlow Parish Council, Marlow Chamber of Trade and Commerce and Marlow Rowing Club.