Residents are particularly concerned about the amount of traffic speeding through the village, parish councillors heard at their last meeting.

The speeding sign at one end of the village was not enough to deter a large number of motorists from breaking the speed limit.

Some motorists drive at twice the speed through the village. The council asked for more speed checks in the village, the return of the speed monitor, and the possibility of another speed sign at the Downham end of the village.

The offer of a speed gun has been made to the council and anyone wishing to volunteer for possibly using the gun as a speeding deterrent should contact Mr I. Boosey.

Sergeant Graves has promised to look into the rates of success in the use of speed guns in other villages, and also into the statistical recording of accidents.

A full council met in the Memorial Hall. Chairman Mr R. Farmer, welcomed Sgt P. Graves, Sgt M. Row and borough councillor, Mr Manley to the meeting.

Sgt Graves talked about anti-social behaviour and the problems caused by alcohol. There is a problem, at the moment, with groups hiring village halls and then mistreating them. The problems at Fincham Memorial Hall have been well documented.

A leaflet is being prepared, by the police, which will offer advice on what questions to ask any prospective hirer of the hall. Youngsters can also approach Sgt Graves for advice on how to organise their events.

Sgt Row introduced himself as leader of the Watlington Safer Neighbourhood team, which covers local villages, including Fincham. Its aim is to be effective in targeting and resolving the quality of life issues which affect people who live and work in the area.

The water supply to the allotments is due to be installed before the summer. There are still some plots available. Questions have been raised about the possibility of keeping chickens on the allotments.
Councillors were concerned about the birds being securely fenced in, and about attracting rats and foxes. The council decided to refuse the inclusion of chickens for the time being.

On Tuesday, May 6, members of the council will visit RAF Marham to discuss matters of concern to the village.

Several planning applications were discussed at the meeting. Mr Manley informed the council that there is a form which can be obtained from the borough council, and completed by anyone who is concerned about building work.

The coppicing work at the Nature Reserve has been shelved until the autumn. The council has been unable to obtain title deeds for the land, but will continue to search for answers to the problem of ownership.

Mrs C. O'Brian drew attention to the possible introduction of car parking charges in Downham, and wondered if surrounding villages should register their opinions.

The clerk is to write to Downham Town Council expressing its concern for the possible adoption of the fees.

It was felt that it will be visitors from the local villages who will be most affected.