Downham: Drugs raid breakthrough
Drug culture: A simple two-word phrase encompassing a complicated world of grim, destructive behaviours and consequences.
It is a bleak, pervasive state, surpassing age and social standing, ethnicity and geography. Today – and we're wise to acknowledge it – it's also a reality in Downham.
A recent drugs raid in the town yielded cash, white powder, scales and a dealer list.
We have a combination of local knowledge and approachable community policing to thank for a breakthrough such as this. Barriers are being dissolved, greater confidences being built.
As concerned citizens we each have a duty and a right to report anything suspicious, no matter how seemingly small. In the wider community our single voices may well add up to something remarkable, significant.
Initially, approaching a police community support officer is a good route to take. Alternatively, either personally calling into the police station, or writing a letter, or (anonymously) contacting Crimestoppers.
Downham Safer Neighbourhood Team can be contacted on 0845 456 4567.
Dog owners should be aware that plans to clean up potentially life-threatening mess left by their animals may soon include being fined.
Evidence of what can best be described as pure laziness and ignorance is rife in several areas around town, most alarmingly where children often and obviously, play.
Health wise, the dangers are real and enormous. A request has been made to the borough council for use of a dog warden.
Something the community of Downham excels at is supporting and enjoying charity events and next month comes worthy opportunity.
Fundraising group Friends of Papworth is hosting another of its popular organ recital concerts, this time with new organist Andrew Hix from Yorkshire.
Tickets for the event, on Friday, April 17, at 7.30pm in the town hall, cost 5 each and are available from Lewks. Alternatively, contact Barbara Yallop on 01366 382003 or pay on the door.
A good news story from the Downham by Design team: The Town Design Statement (TDS) and additional Developer Guidelines based on issues it raised will now be considered, alongside other official planning guidance, as "material considerations" regarding planning applications.
This timely news comes just as borough council policies, including information about new housing in our area to the year 2025, reaches a further consultation stage. The TDS document can be viewed on www.downham markettowncouncil.org. uk
If you missed the borough council's (proposed new housing) open day in the town hall yesterday, details can be found at www.west-norfolk.gov.uk
The next general meeting of Downham by Design is likely to focus on future developments being considered by the Environment Agency.
Despite still waiting for town ownership of the Howdale Community Centre to be finalised, moves to refurbish and rejuvenate the building are well under way.
A new, gas central heating system has been installed, with a double glazing and insulation scheme being worked on.
Quotes will be obtained for external decoration of the building. A graffiti wall is being trialled for six months.
Just down the road, the toilet block on the Howdale area itself is now open and fully functional.
Are you intending to get married this year? If so, then you might be interested to know that Downham Town Hall is now registered to hold marriage ceremonies. For more info call 01366 387770, or pop into the town council offices in Paradise Road between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday.
Finally, popcorn at the ready: The first film to be screened at the new cinema facility within Downham's Town Hall will be the sing-a-long version of Mamma Mia, on Thursday, April 9. The blockbuster Slumdog Millionaire is scheduled for May. Timings within the next couple of weeks.
A SHOW about life in Suffolk in the 21st century is coming to Downham Town Hall on Tuesday.
Return to Akenfield, by Craig Taylor, follows a successful book, Akenfield, written in the 1960s, and also a film of the same name. This Eastern Angles Touring Theatre, the show starts at 7.30pm and tickets, priced 8.50 (7.50 concessions), are available from 01473 211498 or Lewks.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Monday 28 May 2012
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