Every time a spare piece of land becomes available in the centre of town, flats are being built.

One site in particular I have watched with interest is off the car park to the Crown Hotel.

I wished I had photographed the progress of this site because I just can’t believe how Grosvenor Homes have been allowed to cram so many buildings into such a small area.

It has also been built right on the boundaries of the small gardens of original houses which were there, so must be blocking out light as well as an encroachment of privacy to these home owners.

Having found the website selling these homes, I was intrigued by the phraseology used describing the location: “Situated in the heart of the popular Downham town in Norfolk, the property is ideally situated for local schools. Right on the doorstep are plenty of local shops for fresh and local produce, as well as a growing number of high-street stores and two supermarkets.

“Transport links are very strong, with the train station, less than half a mile away, with a direct line to London”.

I personally think it is pushing it a bit to say “plenty of local shops for fresh and local produce” and I haven’t worked out who the “growing number of high-street stores” are.

Also Tesco and Somerfield seem to be finding it difficult to accommodate not only the town's people, but also the surrounding village shoppers who come into Downham.

Most of the new build properties that are being produced do not have car parking facilities.

It is correct to say that the train station is not far away and there is a “direct line to London”.

But the train is only once an hour and whatever time of day I have used it, it has been crowed and I am thankful that I do not have to use it in the rush hour, as I should imagine it is standing room only.

The bus service is not much better.

Should these people (with no cars) like to seek out entertainment, they will find there only means of getting back from Lynn after 5.45pm is the one-an-hour train service.

I think, as suggested in your article, someone needs to seriously ask questions along the lines of if Downham is a “nice, quiet, little Norfolk town” as it is so often portrayed, how can we cope with so many more people living here?

We keep being told to be “green” and not use cars.

As a non-driver I have found it very difficult since living here because of lack of public transport.

Presumably a lot of these new properties will be occupied by younger people, who I expect will want a bit more excitement than “a large leisure centre” and pubs.

Who is it who actually sanctions all this new building?

Do they visit the sites and local amenities and take into account how it is going to affect people who already live here?

Mrs VIVIEN Cumberland