A working party will be set up to investigate what lessons can be learned from the death of a three-year-old boy who was hit by a car after he had been to King's Lynn Mart.

West Norfolk council was tonight presented with a petition signed by more than 5,000 people, calling for roads to be closed while the traditional February fair is in town.

Three-year-old Rio Bell, from Lowestoft, died after he was hit by a car in King Street on February 15, after he had visited Children's Day with his parents.

Petitioner Paul Macey, who comforted the little boy as he lay in the road, told councillors: 'King's Lynn can't stand another loss of life because of this kind of thing.

'I'm sure many of you here are mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers. I hope you'll be able to do something to help this situation tonight.'

Mr Macey said the roads were closed while Festival Too concerts were in progress on the Tuesday Market Place. He added campaigners did not want roads closed throughout the two weeks the fair was operation, but when children were most likely to visit it.

West Norfolk council leader Nick Daubney said: 'I'd like to thank you for presenting the petition and your views tonight so powerfully and so ably. I'm sure this petition was raised from real and heartfelt concerns both in the borough and elsewhere.'

Mr Daubney said the council would be setting up a task group made up of representatives from the petitioners, police, Norfolk County Council, traders and the showmen to consider what lessons could be learned and changes which might be proposed.

He said an inquest was expected to be held in July, after which police reports into the accident would be available.

Ian Mack, leader of the Liberal Democrats on the council, added: 'This isn't a political issue, this is an issue we feel passionately about wherever we sit in the chamber. We will take this further and actions will be taken.'