Liz Truss to contact head of Norfolk County Council Highways over A10 concerns
Officials met at a retail park access on Friday to discuss how road improvements could help increase business and jobs, as well as improving safety at the site amid speeding concerns.
South West Norfolk MP Liz Truss joined West Norfolk mayor Geoff Hipperson, Norfolk County Council representatives and Tottenhill Retail Park owner Neil Cotton to discuss concerns about speeding on the A10, access to the Tottenhill Retail Park and the Watlington/Tottenhill cross roads.
Over the past few years, there have been a number of accidents at the location and Mr Cotton and councillor Hipperson are keen to see action taken to address the safety concerns.
And fears have been expressed that job opportunties could be impeded by restrictions and safety issues at the site.
Following the meeting, Ms Truss has stated she will be contacting the head of Highways at Norfolk County Council to see what measures can be taken to improve the situation.
She said: "I was extremely pleased to meet Neil Cotton, owner of Tottenhill Retail park. He has significant ambitions for the site with existing tenant Circle Waste planning to expand, creating 40 new jobs.
"However a key concern for Neil and Cllr Hipperson is the speed of vehicles on the A10 and subsequent access to the retail park. Standing at the entrance, adjacent to the road, I fully understand their concerns and believe this is an issue the county council need to address.
"Future job creation could be held back by a highway’s restriction, as well as the issue of road safety - this is extremely frustrating for all concerned."
Friday's meeting had been delayed due to the coronavirus, but Mr Hipperson was pleased it eventually went ahead after months of concern.
Liz Truss MP with the mayor, Geoff Hipperson and Neil Cotton from Tottenhill Retail Park.. (42637659)
He said: "I was very grateful for the support of our member of parliament. I think we got our point across to the county council representatives that the entrance to the business/ retail park and the adjoining crossroads would be much safer with a speed limit in place and even better with a central lane for vehicles turning right.
"The park provides employment for a significant number of people and improvement to the road at the access would facilitate the planned increase in business and jobs in addition to making a contribution to road safety."
A spokeswoman for Norfolk County Council said: "Our highways team discussed a range of topics during the visit to the site and we understand Liz Truss will be writing to us. We’ll be responding directly to her when she has contacted us.”
