IN response to A Rose's letter in last week's Free Press which labels High Wycombe Town Centre as a 'dump' - although I feel the sentiment is a little harsh - it is precisely because we see room for improvement that the council has spent the last few years working to improve the town centre.

Many people have welcomed the town centre enhancements of 1998 and footfall in the High Street has increased.

Major changes to Frogmoor and Oxford Street are planned for this year including a large area of open space that will incorporate a water feature, seating and cafes aimed at creating a safe and exciting place for visitors and new businesses.

The improvements to our Western Sector are also moving forward, and will bring increased choice for shoppers with major department store names and shops, plenty of eating outlets, cinema and a much improved bus station.

Your readers may be interested to know that High Wycombe has seen four restaurants opening in the last 12 months, with two more pubs and sandwich bars opening later this year.

The number of vacant shops has dropped to its lowest level for three years with exciting new shops opening in the Octagon and Chilterns Shopping Centre.

We look forward to the opening of Wilkinson's in place of C & As this spring.

We know there is room for improvement and, together with local businesses, steps are being taken to tackle problems in and around the town centre and make High Wycombe your first choice.

Undoubtedly, A Rose will discover High Wycombe to be a heavyweight rival for Uxbridge!

Cllr A Fulford, Chairman of Western Sector Steering Group

Wycombe District Council, Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe