Concrete blocks to reinforce closure of Shotesham Ford

The route through the River Tas along Mill Lane, which links the village to the nearby A140, has been shut since the death of Barry Howard, 75, on December 13 2023. 

He was heading home from a football match when his car was swept away as he tried to drive across when the river was swollen and fast-flowing.

His body was recovered the following morning after his Toyota Yaris was discovered.

Some locals have called for the crossing - which curves gradually and has a steep drop on one side - to be permanently closed to traffic amid fears there will be more fatalities. 

High water levels at Shotesham Ford (Image: Bruno Brown)

Norfolk County Council will not decide whether to reopen the crossing until the conclusion of an inquest into Mr Howard's death later this month.

READ MORE: Shotesham Parish Council calling for ford to reopen

In the meantime, they will reinforce the temporary closure by installing concrete blocks on either side of the ford and using additional signage.

This follows several incidents in recent months where drivers have attempted to pass through.

The work to install the blocks and signage is planned to be completed during the week commencing July 8.

The scene of the incident in December 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

Councillor Graham Plant said: “We want people to be safe when they move through the area.

READ MORE: Shotesham ford locals call for action after crossing tragedy

"We recognise the inconvenience that longer trips can create but that cannot outweigh the importance of people’s safety and wellbeing.”

Norfolk County Council will conduct a feasibility study on the ford to determine what can be done to improve safety.

Discussions will continue with parish councils on the long-term future of the crossing.

Any decision on the future of the ford will be informed by these discussions and the outcome of the study.