A feasibility study over ways to make a dangerous Norfolk junction safer has been completed - and the government's transport secretary said that puts the scheme "in a strong position" to bid for cash to make changes.

Norfolk County Council announced in February that it was updating its assessment of the junction of Holway Road and the A148 Holt Road, a key turn-off for the town of Sheringham.

Eastern Daily Press: The A148 Holway Road junction near SheringhamThe A148 Holway Road junction near Sheringham (Image: Google Street View)

Campaigners are keen for either a roundabout or traffic lights to be installed at the site to improve safety.

Eastern Daily Press: North Norfolk MP Duncan BakerNorth Norfolk MP Duncan Baker (Image: Archant)

North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker raised the issue with transport secretary Mark Harper in Parliament on Thursday (June 8).

The Conservative MP said: "May I ask the secretary of state to squeeze the transport department’s coffers just one last time to find some important money to try to improve that junction?"

READ MORE: Norfolk multi-million pound schemes priority list revealed

Eastern Daily Press: Transport secretary Mark HarperTransport secretary Mark Harper (Image: PA)

Mr Harper replied: "I understand that Norfolk County Council has completed the feasibility study into the improvements at that junction and has committed funds to continue the development of the scheme.

"That puts Norfolk in a strong position to submit a bid, should funding opportunities arise. I know that he will press that case strongly."

 

When the feasibility study, which cost £50,000, was announced, Graham Plant, County Hall's highways, infrastructure and transport boss, said it was taking into account latest information to help with future funding bids.

Mr Baker said drivers used narrower roads such as Briton's Lane and Lodge Hill to avoid having to use Holway Road.

He said making the Holway Road junction safer - potentially through installing a roundabout - would encourage traffic to use the A148 rather than those other, minor, roads.