
News
Share
Published 12:08 18 Feb 2024 GMT
Updated 12:14 18 Feb 2024 GMT

Residents in a wealthy town have been left fuming after finding out a Wetherspoons is set to open up shop there.
You would have thought nearly everywhere would welcome a Spoons with open arms, considering there is nearly nowhere else that offers food and booze for such bargainous prices.
However, there is one place where locals fear the opening of one of the pubs, “the wrong sort of people” will start to turn up.
The Home Counties town of Marlow has a population of 14,644 people, with the ONS reporting the average income at £60,000 and £63,000.
The town centre is full of independent shops and bars, with celebrity chef Tom Kerridge's The Coach Inn pub even being located in the town.
New plans, though, are set to see the old M&Co store being taken over by Wetherspoons, and bringing a new kind of dinery to the location.
"There is no need for cheap food and cheap beer lowering the tone and ruining the town," one resident reportedly said.
Another resident, Jeremy Battis, told MailOnline: “I have been coming here for 30 years and when I think of Marlow, I think of upmarket and clean. There are many fine independent shops, restaurants and bars and that is the appeal.
“I don't think there should be a Wetherspoons in the heart of the town. It will spoil the demographic and is going to attract," the 67-year-old paused, “not the wrong people - just a different demographic.”
The Buckinghamshire Council planning site allowed residents to voice their concerns over the plans.
Hugh Fickling wrote: “There is no need for an additional public house, especially one that promotes cheap procurement of alcohol.
“The pub is part of a large chain, this will remove revenue from locally owned businesses. The high street has seen a huge proportion of businesses disappear in recent years.
“There will be no economic and social benefit to the town. People spilling out in the main street of Marlow whilst intoxicated is unsafe.”
However, not all residents fear the idea of a Spoons on their doorsteps.
Beryl Simmonds told the MailOnline that she thinks it's a "great idea."
"Other pubs and restaurants in Marlow are far too expensive.
“Wetherspoons are great when you have young children and grandchildren. You can bring them out to a place which offers great value for money. Otherwise we wouldn't be able to bring them out.
“I think the problem is that those from the posh side of Marlow do not want us in their part of town.”
Manhunt underway after 12 people shot at US festival
The suspects remain at large A manhunt is underway after at least 12 people were shot during a festival in the United States. Officers are hunting the suspects involved with two of the victims reported to be in a critical condition. Emergency services say the victims were spread over a large area and police believe […]
News
2h
Ukraine launches massive drone strike on St Petersburg as Kremlin brands attack ‘unprecedented’
More than 140 drones were shot down. Russian authorities have accused Ukraine of launching a large-scale drone attack on St Petersburg on the final day of the ‘Russian Davos’ major economic forum in the city, with the Kremlin describing the strike as ‘unprecedented’. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said his forces had targeted a naval base […]
News
20h
Buffy and Ted Lasso star Anthony Head dies at 72
News