THE owner of a gents outfitter, which has been trading for 50 years, says he is being forced to move his business because the council is not developing Amersham-on-the-Hill.

Graham Temple, 63, is moving his shop Nancarrow & Temple in Hill Avenue, Amersham-on-the-Hill, to Sycamore Road in Amersham just 150 yards away.

He believes passing trade has reduced since the closure of the Hill Avenue Post Office in the 1990s and that Chiltern District Council is not taking an interest in developing the area.

He said: "So far we have been unable to persuade the council to take an interest in developing the site for the purpose intended retail use.

"The availability of a prime site on Sycamore Road seemed an ideal opportunity to give our manager, Harvey Thompson, a flying start in promoting our new image."

In 1951 Graham's father, George Temple, who was a Savile Row cutter with 20 years' experience, and Reginald Nancarrow, a bespoke tailor from Amersham, joined forces but have since had to change with the times to keep the outfitters popular with local shoppers.

Charles Hogbin, revitalisation officer for Chiltern District Council said: "We would like to wish Mr Temple well in his new venture. We are pleased such a well established business has been able to find a premier location on Sycamore Road.

"As ever, Chiltern District Council is interested in the development and enhancement of the Amersham shopping area and will continue to support programmes to achieve this objective.

"Over recent years the council has funded major research into ways to make the shopping centre more attractive and has provided financial and other support for a major campaign designed to attract major retailers to the town.