Calls for A10 crossing at West Winch due to difficulties getting across the road
Some locals say the constant stream of traffic has made it “near impossible” to reach the other side of the road
The A10 is one of Norfolk’s major trunk roads and known to be among the busiest in the county.
Now some locals living in West Winch say the constant stream of traffic has made it “near impossible” to reach the other side of the road to catch the bus into town.
They're calling for a pedestrian crossing to be built to allow them to safely cross the road, which is one of the main routes to reach King’s Lynn from the south.
"Serious issue"
A recent visit by deputy leader of West Norfolk Council, Jim Moriarty, laid bare the challenges faced by residents after he waited five minutes for a safe opportunity to cross before eventually giving up.
He made the visit after members of the council were challenged to see for themselves how difficult it is to cross by frustrated local Patricia Field.
Mr Moriarty said: “This is a very serious issue. I walked up and down the A10 trying to cross to experience myself the challenges faced by people.
“I’m a reasonably fit person in his 60s and it was very difficult. I can only imagine the challenges faced by those who are visually impaired or have mobility issues.
“I absolutely understand their frustrations.”
"Country’s largest car park"
There are fears the situation will get worse, if thousands of homes earmarked for West Winch are built before the infrastructure is in place to cope with the likely increase in traffic.
The issue has spurred locals to protest against the Hopkins Homes development being constructed before funding for a new ‘link’ road – from the A10 to the A47 – has been secured.
Ms Fields, who is in her 70s, thinks that the A10 will become the “country’s largest car park” if the new West Winch access road is not built before people move into the new homes.
But they have been told they will have to wait until funding is sourced for the new road, which could come via Section 106 payments gained through the huge 4,000 home development planned for the area.
What does the council say?
A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: “We are aware of the concerns that have been raised by local residents and we are exploring options for a new crossing at the northern end of the existing A10 in West Winch.
“We are working closely with the borough council to deliver the West Winch Housing Access Road as soon as possible with construction projected to start as early as next year, subject to the necessary approvals.
“This will provide the opportunity to introduce a range of measures along the existing A10 as it passes through the village, which will help to improve safety and living conditions for local people. This could include the introduction of vehicle weight limits, new crossings, traffic calming measures and reduced speed limits.”
The council says it has made significant progress with the access road project, and a business case was handed to the government in the autumn with a planning application put in at the end of last year.
"People need a crossing now"
For councillor Alexandra Kemp, who has been campaigning on the issue, this is too late.
“The A10 can’t cope currently and people need a crossing now – this is essential,” she said.
“We need to put people first. There are already safety issues and these new homes will only make it worse.”