A Reform UK election candidate has called for a new relief road to ease the pressure on heavily congested Norfolk Broads villages.

Eric Masters, who is standing in the Broadland and Fakenham constituency, has called for Coltishall, Horstead, Wroxham and Hoveton to be connected with a new bypass that would cross the River Bure on a new bridge.

Locals have previously suggested that a new road could alleviate traffic pressures through the villages, which they say have worsened since the opening of the Northern Distributor Road.

Mr Masters said: "This option needs to be looked at - we can't keep having the same amount of accidents in this area. These villages need a new bypass."

The bridge over the Norwich Road B1150 at Horstead/ColtishallThe bridge over the Norwich Road B1150 at Horstead/Coltishall (Image: Archant)

READ MORE: MP candidate takes stand against sewage - with volunteers in poo emoji costumes

Previous proposals for a bypass have consisted of two roads north of the villages, one coming off the Norwich-Stalham road, and the other off the Norwich-North Walsham Road, which would link somewhere south of Wroxham Barns and cross the Bure on a new bridge.

However, there have been difficulties in deciding where such a road would go due to its route through the Broads. 

Mr Masters, who worked for a company providing fire and security door systems, added that the A47 should be dualled "all the way to the midlands" and hit out at eco-campaigners who have attempted to block infrastructure projects.

The UK Supreme Court recently turned down Dr Andrew Boswell's crowdfunded attempt to block the dualling of the road between North Tuddenham and Easton and from Blofield to North Burlingham.

His continued legal challenges have added tens of millions of pounds to the final bill, by creating delays.

"He should put his hand in his own pocket instead of leaving the taxpayer with the bill," Mr Masters said. 

His campaign in Broadland and Fakenham has been met with a mixed reception - but Mr Masters has been unphased by booing at recent hustings events.

The 62-year-old added: "Some people just don't like what we have to say.

"Fakenham has been the most welcoming town. It's an astounding place. They really embrace us there."

He is standing against the Green's Jan Davis, the Lib Dem's Leyla Hannbeck, the Conservative's Jerome Mayhew and Labour's Iain Simpson.