Worried residents who have raised concerns about pedestrian safety on a busy road which runs through their village have been buoyed by what they feel is positive action.

Eastern Daily Press: MP Elizabeth Truss visits Mundford residents to hear their concerns about pedestrian safety along the A1065 Swaffham Road. Picture: Rebecca MurphyMP Elizabeth Truss visits Mundford residents to hear their concerns about pedestrian safety along the A1065 Swaffham Road. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

Villagers in Mundford said they believe the safety of pedestrians is put at risk when they walk and cross a section of the A1065 Swaffham Road.

Used heavily by lorries, narrow footpaths along the side of the 40mph road means pedestrians are close to the traffic and are forced to cross the road, close to the Lynford Road, as the path ends on both sides.

Samantha King said she fears for the elderly and children who cross the road to get to the primary school and popular Lynford Hall walks.

Mrs King invited South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss to visit the area and she was joined by Tom McCabe, Norfolk County Council’s executive director of community and environment services.

Eastern Daily Press: The Swaffham Road (A1065) at Mundford where residents and parish councillors are calling for a pedestrian crossing, and the road is used by a large number of HGV lorries. Picture: DENISE BRADLEYThe Swaffham Road (A1065) at Mundford where residents and parish councillors are calling for a pedestrian crossing, and the road is used by a large number of HGV lorries. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2017)

Eastern Daily Press: South west Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss visits Bridge Street in Thetford to talk about concerns for children's safety outside of Thetford Grammar School. She is pictured with councillor Roy Brame, grammar school headteacher Mark Bedford and councillor Jane James. Picture: Rebecca MurphySouth west Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss visits Bridge Street in Thetford to talk about concerns for children's safety outside of Thetford Grammar School. She is pictured with councillor Roy Brame, grammar school headteacher Mark Bedford and councillor Jane James. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

MORE - Mundford residents express concern for safety of pedestrians along A1065 Swaffham Road

Some of the residents were pushing for a zebra crossing but Mr McCabe said it would not feasible as it could create a “false sense of safety”.

Others asked whether the speed limit could be reduced to 30mph but Mr McCabe said 40mph was appropriate as it was not a built up area.

Ms Truss pushed for a survey to be conducted to look at the feasibility of a pelican crossing being installed - one is already on the A134 which runs runs through the other side of the village.

She said: “Crossing this road is not easy for children or the elderly and it is not safe at the moment.

“It clearly is dangerous and we need to understand what the options are and get the information about how many people are crossing the road.”

One resident put forward the suggestion of fundraising half the money needed for a pelican crossing (around £75,000 in total) and asking the county council to match the remaining money.

Mrs King said: “I think something is definitely going to be done, which is the main thing. It is really positive.

“The next parish council meeting a few of us will attend and see what we can do has a community to fundraise and see if the council can help.”

Norfolk County Councillor Fabian Eagle said more signs warning of pedestrians could be installed and will look into issued raised by residents concerning flashing speed signs.

Ms Truss visits Thetford

During the visit to her constituency Ms Truss also went to traffic blackspots in Thetford.

She and Mr McCabe met with Thetford Grammar School headteacher Mark Bedford and town councillors Roy Brame and Jane James to discuss concerns for pupils along Bridge Street.

Mr Bedford believes cars are ignoring the 20mph limit along the road. Rumble strips are due to be painted by the end of the month and Mr McCabe mentioned the possibility of a zebra crossing.

Mr Bedford said: “A zebra crossing would be ideal solution. I just don’t think drivers see the signs to be honest. I think if we have got something which alerts people to children crossing then drivers would slow down.”

They also visited Nuns’ Bridges to look at the traffic layout, with the listed bridge recently was hit by a vehicle.

The traffic movements will be looked at to ease pressure on the bridge.