A148 safety review under way after High Kelling deaths

Campbell and Sheila Welsh, both in their 80s, were fatally struck by a car on December 22 while attempting to cross the road after attending a carol service at All Saints Church in High Kelling. Their deaths shocked the local community, which has campaigned for improvements for decades[1], and reignited pressure on authorities to act. In response, a pivotal meeting took place in February at High Kelling Village Hall.

Campbell and Sheila Welsh (Image: Change.org/family) PCC Sarah Taylor and MP Steffan Aquarone (far left) at the meeting held in High Kelling Village Hall (Image: Cllr Callum Ringer) Chaired by North Norfolk MP Steffan Aquarone, it brought together parish councillors from High Kelling, Bodham, and surrounding villages, along with Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Sarah Taylor, police officials, and highways officers from Norfolk County Council. Since then, Norfolk County Council has confirmed a full feasibility study is under way.

A council spokesman said: "We have just finished gathering traffic survey data and are now analysing it alongside accident records. "This will feed into a feasibility study, due to be shared with stakeholders later this summer." MP Steffan Aquarone and Cllr Callum Ringer laid flowers at the site of the fatal incident (Image: MP Steffan Aquarone) District councillor for Gresham ward, Callum Ringer, who has campaigned for improvements along the route for many years, said the review was "long overdue."

He said: "Following the tragic accident that claimed two lives in High Kelling late last year, it was clear that communities along the A148 needed to unite and push for real action to improve safety along this stretch of road. "Whether as drivers, pedestrians, passengers, or cyclists, residents face serious risks every day. "This review is long overdue."

Mr and Mrs Welsh were hit by a car after attending a carol service at the All Saints Church in High Kelling (Image: Jack Warren, Newsquest) Among the key concerns raised were inconsistent speed limits, lack of lighting, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and dangerous junctions, particularly the one near Sheringham Park. Cllr Ringer also expressed frustration over what many see as a reactive approach to road safety. He added: "There's a perception that someone has to die before Highways take notice.

"That's not how road safety should work." Public campaigning has gathered momentum since the Welshes' deaths. Their granddaughter, Izzy Walsh, launched a petition[3] calling on the council to make the road safer, which gained thousands of signatures.

Sadly, the A148 has a tragic history of pedestrian fatalities. Martha Seaward died in 2014 (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015) In 2014, 15-year-old Martha Seaward from Holt died after being hit by a lorry[4] while crossing near Sheringham Park. In 2015, 74-year-old Michael Rawson, also from Holt, died days after being hit by a car shortly after getting off a bus at High Kelling on New Year's Eve.

The feasibility study will examine the stretch between Holt and the Felbrigg roundabout and campaigners hope it will lead to tangible changes. Further stakeholder meetings are expected later this summer once findings are published. The meeting at High Kelling Village Hall in February (Image: PCC Sarah Taylor) Mr Aquarone said the deaths of Campbell and Sheila Welsh had brought into "sharp focus just how dangerous the road is for pedestrians and motorists alike."

He said: "Just before Easter, I hosted a meeting with local stakeholders including the police, Highways and parish councils to discuss urgent safety improvements on the A148. "I have been working with North Norfolk District Council to secure section 106 contributions and much-needed funding to make the A148 safer. "Setting up the traffic study was a crucial first step in solving the issues on this road and I am pleased that it is now being analysed as an integral part of the solution.

"I look forward to regrouping with local stakeholders to agree swift action based on the findings." Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner, Sarah Taylor, stressed the importance of a long-term, collaborative solution. PCC Sarah Taylor speaks at the meeting (Image: PCC Sarah Taylor) She said: "I am very keen to see the final outcome of the highways review that NCC had promised to be undertaken.

"While this work was identified at the meeting as a much-needed first step there is of course a more substantial piece of work needed across Norfolk. "This can only be done by NCC working in partnership with other organisations and I've been really encouraged by my conversations with NCC highways officers regarding a potential piece of work which would look to start a more preventative approach to road safety going forward." Concerning the deaths of Mr and Mrs Welsh, a spokeswoman for Norfolk Constabulary confirmed this week that the man in his 50s who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving[5] had been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

An inquest into their deaths[6] was adjourned for a further pre-inquest review on July 4.

References

1. ^ campaigned for improvements for decades (www.northnorfolknews.co.uk)
2. ^ Thousands of homes in North Norfolk hit by new double council tax charge (www.northnorfolknews.co.uk)
3. ^ launched a petition (www.northnorfolknews.co.uk)
4. ^ died after being hit by a lorry (www.edp24.co.uk)
5. ^ who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving (www.northnorfolknews.co.uk)
6. ^ inquest into their deaths (www.northnorfolknews.co.uk)