CONCERNED villages fear they may have to face another summer of discontent if plans for the Bourne End Marina development face yet more delays.

The plans were due to go to before councillors at Wycombe District Council this month so a final decision could be made, but the earliest it is likely to appear will be May 23.

This means that the controversial development for 14 houses on stilts to be built on the site in Wharf Lane, are likely to remain in limbo until a definite date has been set down in black and white.

Residents, who are involved in the Bourne End Millennium Project, desperately want a decision because they want to ensure villagers will be able to enjoy an open space by the river as part of the plans.

Barrie Penfold, secretary of the project, said: "The Millennium Project is going further into another summer where residents will have nowhere to sit."

At present the site is a wasteland and is cordoned off waiting for plans to be rubber-stamped by the district council.

Wooburn parish councillor Dinnie Hawthorn was also worried plans would be put in 'cold storage' for a Government paper on building on flood plains to be finalised after the election.

However, a spokesman for Wycombe District Council said the scheme, submitted by Michael Shanly developers, would not be held up by this.

And they said they would strive to get a meeting set for May 23, although this would be the earliest date and more delays may follow.