AN application for a lottery grant to improve Marlow's Higginson Park has been resurrected a year and a half after it was knocked back by Wycombe District Council.

Community leaders expressed interest in the idea at a Marlow Town Centre Forum meeting on Wednesday night.

Just over a year ago the district council considered applying for the Heritage Lottery Grant but dropped the plans after being told it had match funds for an application to be entered.

A spokesman for the council said: "Alongside other causes the bid was considered less a priority and was therefore not forthcoming."

But the Town Centre Forum, the Marlow Society and the Mayoress of Marlow have all expressed interest in the idea, with the suggestion of the money being used for a bandstand.

Marianne Fuller, who represents the Marlow Society at the Town Centre Forum, said: "If successful we would want to be involved in what was done."

Margaret Done, Marlow Mayoress, said she would not like to see the park overdeveloped or spoilt with artificial decoration.

She added: "Anything that would enhance the park naturally and would benefit residents and visitors I'm sure would be welcomed by many people."