A petition has been launched to “free” the River Wye from its culvert underneath the centre of High Wycombe.
It calls on Buckinghamshire Council to partially uncover the river, saying doing so would support the community, develop the economy and protect wildlife.
Supporters say the move would help the town grow its economy by attracting more tourists, while allowing more wildlife to build habitats and survive.
The petition states: “We do not think it would be feasible for the river to be completely uncovered as that would mean that roads and houses would have to be dug up.
“However, we do think that partially uncovering it will have many benefits to our community.
“One thing that we have considered is that the river needs to be cleaned up in order to make it habitable and attractive.
“Therefore, we believe that regular clean ups and adding more rubbish bins will be needed and encouraged by us.
“If this petition is passed, we will then make it our priority to ensure that the river is kept clean and healthy, and that the wildlife is cared for correctly and is able to reproduce and develop.”
The Wye is a chalk stream, one of the most important in the Chilterns. These are a globally rare habitats which supports a wide variety of wildlife, including some of the UK’s most endangered species. Eighty-five percent of all chalk streams are to be found in England.
The river flows for about 10.5 miles (17km) from West Wycombe through High Wycombe, Loudwater and Wooburn Green to join with the River Thames at Bourne End.
It is fed from freshwater springs that rise up through the Chiltern chalk. The source of the Wye varies from year to year, which is a characteristic of chalk streams.
The first time that a section of the river was banished underground was in 1936/37 when a short stretch was culverted beneath London Road in Wycombe Marsh.
The river Wye now flows below Oxford Road between Westbourne Street and the Archway Roundabout and then below the Abbey Way flyover until it emerges between the former British Legion building and The Swan car park and theatre. The culvert consists of two tunnels which are connected by small cross openings.
Concerns have been raised in the past by residents who said the river was being used a ‘dumping ground’ and councillors have previously mentioned the idea of uncovering parts of the river to help boost tourism in the town.
The petition does not specify which sections of the river should be uncovered, and no detailed proposals have yet been set out.
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