Opinion : Is High Wycombe a ‘happy place to live’?

The High Street, High Wycombe. (Archive picture)

Here’s an interesting question: ‘Do you think High Wycombe is a happy place to live?‘

That’s what a friend said to me the other lunchtime as my good self was eating my sandwiches in the grounds of the Parish Church.

Indeed it is an interesting question.

My friend went on to tell me about a national ‘Happy at Home‘ survey of 22,000 people throughout the UK undertaken by a company that runs a large internet property based website.

Naturally yours truly asked my friend what the survey said about people being ‘happy at home’ in High Wycombe.

It transpires the survey ranked High Wycombe as the 44th happiest place to live nationally and 8th in the South East region. The survey ranked a total of 194 areas in Great Britain.

With all the problems that our town has it surprises my good self that Wycombe is ranked so highly.

If the problems of the town were put right then just think how much better things would be and how happier our town would become?

With the abolition of the current local government structure in April 2020 perhaps finally there will be an improvement in the town and its facilities giving a better ranking in next year’s survey?

Personally my good self is very happy living in Wycombe indeed who could ask for more living in my ancestral home with the large grounds of the private estate in which my home is located.

My residence would be an even nice place to live if it wasn’t for the smoke from the incessant bonfires that drifts over my land in the summer and the abandoned mini-buses owned by local private hire companies that are left parked (not very legally) in the road close by when not in use. Both issues could be tackled but sadly it seems the powers that be couldn’t care less.

If decisive action was taken to solve the problems of the town then not only would people be happier living here but house prices would surely rise too giving everyone an instant financial benefit.

Just think how much happier Wycombe would be if the Frogmoor area was restored to its former beauty or if the scumbags that have ruined Desborough Road were arrested when they break the law or cause nuisance to passers by.

Sadly, as with most things in Wycombe, my good self fears that nothing will be done and the complacency and stagnation that has dogged our town for decades will prevail.

So, let me ask you, are you happy living in High Wycombe?

What do you think?

My blogs are published regularly here on the WycombeToday.com website.

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