Norfolk county councillor raises concerns over development due to number of accidents at West Winch

New figures from the police have illustrated a West Norfolk councillor’s concerns with road safety in a village.

County councillor Alex Kemp, who also represents the borough council, has expressed fears over the stretch of the A10 in West Winch where Hopkins Homes plan to build 300 homes.

A freedom of information request submitted to the police by the councillor shows there have been a total of 31 accidents on the A10 at Setch and West Winch over the past five years.

Five of these accidents have been categorised as having a ‘serious’ level of severity.

Ms Kemp has written requesting for the authority’s Transport Modelling Report to be rewritten to address the number of accidents.

The councillor said: “A roundabout at the Winch, slowing down the traffic and affecting sightlines could cause more accidents.

“The road is 40mph speed limit and it is not speed alone that is causing the hazard, but rear end shunts.

“Putting a roundabout opposite the Winch for 300 homes could cause more rear-end shunts with people stopping.

“The Transport Report said there would be over 3,000 stops an hours on this roundabout.

“There are limited sight lines in the area and traffic swinging in an out of the garage. This isn’t the right place to build.”

Her comments come after a speed camera was removed from the A10 Garage Lane junction in Setch after concerns were raised.

Ms Kemp and borough councillor Simon Nash, who lives in Setch, both called for the camera to be removed as it was deemed to obscure vision for drivers.

pulling out of the junction when looking in the direction of Downham.

A site inspection is expected to take place next week with Highways to explore a suitable alternative location for a camera to be installed.

Hopkins Homes has previously acknowledged potential traffic problems at the Hardwick roundabout as a result of development plans for West Winch and North Runcton between the A10 and A47, and has held talks with the council and Highways.