TWO multi-million pound schemes to change the face of Amersham town centre have sparked warnings that Chesham could die as a retail centre.

The gloomy outlook comes after rival developers met with chiefs from Chiltern district and Buckinghamshire county councils this week to discuss a range of new facilities for Amersham-on-the-Hill.

Far-reaching plans include a huge new retail development, a modern library, a Marks & Spencer food store and a major community centre, to boost trade and businesses in the town.

But community leaders and traders in neighbouring Chesham are worried that any such scheme could finish off their shopping centre which is already struggling in the face of changing shopping habits, pedestrianisation and high business rates.

Chesham town councillor Pauline Wilkinson said: "I think it will kill off Chesham, I really do, but good luck to Amersham.

"It will take trade away from Chesham people will not come to Chesham if they can get what they want in Amersham. It's wonderful for Amersham but it won't help Chesham at all."