Shotesham ford where motorist was swept to his death could reopen next spring
75 year-old Barry Howard drowned when his car was pushed off the causeway by the fast-flowing River Tas as he attempted to cross
A Norfolk village ford closed since a motorist was swept to his death there could reopen next spring pending the results of a review into its safety.
Shotesham ford was shut last December after Barry Howard, 75, drowned when his car was pushed off the causeway by the fast-flowing River Tas as he attempted to cross.
An inquest into the tragedy highlighted safety concerns about the crossing and it has remained shut “indefinitely” ever since.
The death also prompted a wider review which has seen two other Norfolk fords closed.
Officials at Norfolk County Council have now confirmed the Shotesham crossing could reopen next spring pending the results of an ongoing investigation.
The route through the Tas along Mill Lane, which links the village to the nearby A140, has been shut off with concrete blocks after drivers ignored warning signs and continued to use the road.
Some locals have called for the crossing – which curves gradually and has a steep drop on one side – to be permanently closed to traffic amid fears there will be more fatalities.
However, Shotesham Parish Council has urged County Hall to bring it back into use.
Heather Jackson, chairwoman of the council, said: “We want to see the ford reopened and are strongly of the opinion that this is a useful road if used sensibly.
“We will be engaged in talks with Norfolk County Council about where they are going, move forward from here.”
Barry Howard was heading home from a football match at Carrow Road on the evening of December 13 last year when he tried to drive across the ford when the river was swollen and fast flowing.
His body was recovered the following morning after his Toyota Yaris was discovered.
Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways at County Hall, said: “Safety is paramount when it comes to our highways network, and although we recognise the inconvenience that longer trips can create when we close locations such as Shotesham ford, that cannot outweigh the importance of people’s safety and wellbeing.
“Where closures are in place we are working hard to find longer term solutions.”
Council officials say the road will remain closed until at least the spring and will only reopen if public safety can be ensured following the study.