A FORMER town councillor has criticised plan for a new council office, which could cost thousands of pounds for the taxpayer.

Fred Harrold wrote to the Free Press to protest about Princes Risborough Town Council's plans for new offices.

The town council believes its current meeting place, Market House, Market Square, is too cramped and is looking at other possibilities, including a site in the entrance to Wades Park.

Mr Harrold said: "The historic Market House has been satisfactory for routine meetings until the present time and I hope the town council carry on doing its good work from there."

Mr Harrold, who lives near Wades Park, also believes that it is wrong for another building to be erected in Wades Park.

He said: "There are already more than enough services and buildings taking up the sports area in the park. Offices and public toilets would be most unsuitable in this residential area.

"Traffic and parking is already a problem for shoppers, workers, sportspersons and patients attending facilities in the park."

But town council chairman said at a meeting that it had been made clear in the town council's publication, Crosstalk, that another office for the town council was necessary.

Currently, Market House is used for around 60 council meetings a year and only 20 people are allowed in the room.