Bikes invade

A RESIDENT of Dunmow complained on April 19 that when he visited Finchingfield the previous Sunday there were so may motorcycles that his car had become blocked in. He said he had been unable to get served at a teashop as it was full of bikers and that he

A RESIDENT of Dunmow complained on April 19 that when he visited Finchingfield the previous Sunday there were so may motorcycles that his car had become blocked in.

He said he had been unable to get served at a teashop as it was full of bikers and that he wouldn't return to the village until the parish council had sorted 'bike parking' out.

He is fortunate in having the choice, as we residents are subjected to a weekly invasion of motorbikes.

However, it is often those visitors who come by car who are the worse culprits in ignoring double yellow lines and some even illegally park on the village greens.

Braintree District Council are responsible for enforcing yellow lines, but tell us that their parking attendant operation only covers Monday to Friday. Hardly reassuring to local council tax payers.

Parking is an issue here, particularly at weekends, but there is no location in the centre of the village for a car park nor are visitors likely to use one situated away from the centre unless illegal parking is penalised. We would like there to be less bikers and less often, but there is no law that limits their numbers or when they can visit.

Whilst Finchingfield residents welcome visitors to our beautiful village, we would prefer those who abuse our welcome to go elsewhere, regardless of what means of transport they use.

The village has a range of teashops, restaurants, public houses and shops, open to both residents and visitors, bikers or otherwise.

Graham Tobbell

Chairman

Finchingfield Parish Counci