FEARS that Chesham could become overrun with snack bars and takeaways were voiced after councillors paved the way for another food and drink outlet in the town centre.

At a meeting of Chesham Town Council's planning and general purposes committee on Monday, councillors voted to allow a change of use of 17 Market Square, for the sale of hot food and drink.

The premises is not currently in use but Cllr Nancy Downs (Lib Dem, Townsend) was concerned about the number of food outlets along the High Street and in Market Square.

She said: "We have so many establishments turning to sell food and drink. I don't think we should be supporting another."

Cllr Sue Jordan (Lib Dem, Hilltop) hit back and said the problem was that not enough outlets sold the quality food and drink they promised to begin with.

She said: "If every one of these places would keep serving the food and drink they said they would it would be great. I would love to have more restaurants and coffee houses."

Chesham town manager Maggie Cannon said after the meeting: "I think anything that brings in more people and adds to the vitality of the town is a good thing."