Tourists who flock to the picture postcard village of Finchingfield at weekends have forced the parish council to consider building a new car park on green land.

Traffic congestion and parking in private driveways has become such a problem in the village that the parish council receives a constant flow of complaints from residents.

"We get letters every month asking what is going to happen," said parish clerk, Kate Fox. "Various suggestions have been put forward and the situation is coming to a head now." The council will discuss the matter next Tuesday.

Mrs Fox said councillors are concerned to find a site that residents were happy with, that is also close enough to the village centre for tourists to use.

Sgt Bob Bell at Braintree Police has suggested that a car-park could be built on the meadow in Spains Hall Lane.

"Parking has always been a concern for us because we keep getting complaints from the residents, particularly about motorbikes and congestion in general," Sgt Bell said.

"It is for the village to sort out with Braintree Council. We have made this suggestion because of the lack of action," he added.

But some residents and councillors are worried about the loss of a greenfield site and narrow access onto Duck Lane. Maintenance costs and possible vandalism are among their concerns.

Alternatives being considered include parking restrictions in the village centre.

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