This morning, as a local publican, I was sent the particulars for the lease of The Snug in Aylesbury Town Centre, which is up for sale. The Snug is just behind the Exchange development in Aylesbury.

The Exchange development in Aylesbury was supposed to be opening this month. We were promised a parade of casual dining operators. As far as I understand the only chain that is interested is Zizzi and they are yet to open. There is still a large building site in the area.

Casual dining chains, once a growing trend in the hospitality market, have seen recent closures. Prezzo, Jamie’s Italian, Carluccio’s and many more chains have all announced major closures this year, with hundreds of units going for good. The hospitality market is fickle and we need to be constantly updating our offer to entice customers in. The Labour Party champions small, local businesses that can offer something unique and add character to a development.

The council needs to urgently re-evaluate the progress and plans for this area of Aylesbury.

We have to have a more ambitious plan to allow people to come to Aylesbury and enjoy the night life here. The recent review of parking charges has revealed a lack of night time parking, and an absence of facilities that would allow coaches to park. There is still a lack of understanding that public transport and night busses are also important to allow people, including the disabled, to enjoy the town.