Downham Market’s anti-social behaviour and speeding problems discussed by town council

Tackling anti-social behavior has become one of a town’s priorities amid a spate of offences in the area.

On Tuesday morning, Downham Town Council reported that drug paraphernalia - including a syringe - had been found close to the skate park.

And at its full meeting later that evening, Cllr Valerie Leivers said that at a recent Safer Neighbourhood Action Panel (SNAP) meeting with police, similar issues were discussed.

However, she reported that despite the authority publicising the event beforehand, only three members of the public turned up.

Following that SNAP meeting, Downham’s priorities for the next few months will be tackling anti-social behaviour, criminal damage and anti-social electric scooter and bike riding, as well as improving youth engagement.

“Our local beat officers told us they will come to the town centre in civilian clothing to spend time observing,” Cllr Leivers said on Tuesday.

“Unfortunately, due to a major incident, they were called away.

“From our meeting, it is obvious that when we report any problems, they act upon them.”

The next SNAP meeting for the area will take place at West Winch’s village hall on November 12.

Significant graffiti which vandalised the skate park was also found in Downham over the past week. This has now been removed.

Meanwhile, the council has reminded people that they cannot take dogs to the area unless they are registered guide dogs on duty.

During the update at Tuesday’s meeting, Cllr Barrie Wiles gave an update on the speed awareness machines which the council has placed throughout the town.

Along Wimbotsham Road, a 30mph zone, one driver was caught travelling at 50mph.

But Cllr Wiles said an “absolute herd” of people were witnessed driving at 45mph at certain times of the day.

“It is an unacceptable speed, because as of today we have got children crossing that road,” he said.

“We should be talking to the police and seeing what can be done about it.”