Fersfield and Bressingham road safety becomes community focus amid potential spike in HGV traffic

Members of the community are getting behind an initiative to improve road safety in Bressingham and Fersfield as the prospect of increased HGV traffic on nearby roads looms.

The scheme will see 20mph stickers handed out to households to promote and encourage lower speeds through the two villages before an official application is made to Norfolk County Council next year to legally lower the speed to 20mph.

The parish council is being helping children to get involved through the creation of a Fersfield Hedgehog Club and the assembly of hedgehog houses – donated by the National Trust – on Fersfield’s community meadow this week.

Additionally, council funding is being sought to place a gazebo on the meadow so children do not have to wait for the school bus close to the road, which has no pavement.

“The parish council is currently suggesting that drivers adopt a 20mph speed through The Street in Fersfield and when driving near Bressingham Primary School,” said Dr Amanda McMurray, chairman of the parish council.

“We have also applied for flashing 20mph signs for those locations to encourage that. We can’t make people drive more slowly, of course, but we’d like them to support this prior to next year’s speed limit application.

“We are concerned about the gas plant proposals and other projects which may increase traffic.

“Traffic from Simpsons Malt grain stores in Fersfield has pledged to support the 20mph scheme and we hope others will, too.”

Fersfield resident Hazel Dormer added: “Amanda instigated a traffic survey earlier in the year to assess the volume of traffic going through the villages and the residents are keen to have a 20mph zone and lower speed limits on the roads around the villages, because there are many children, elderly and disabled who use the roads for walking, cycling and horse riding.

“Some of the older children wait for the Diss High School bus on the side of The Street with no pavement and concerned residents have applied for a grant for a gazebo on the meadow, which is safely away from heavy vehicles.

“James Easter, chairman of South Norfolk Council, has helped in this application and we hope to have a community day before Christmas when we can officially put the gazebo.”