Granddaughter launches petition after road deaths

Campbell and Sheila Welsh had retired to Norfolk from Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire about 10 years ago

Izzy Welsh Campbell Welsh dressed in a blue and while gingham short-sleeved shirt with his arm around his wife Sheila, who is wearing a shirt with a collar underneath a navy pullover. They are standing in a field. — Campbell and Sheila Welsh had retired to Norfolk from Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire about 10 years ago

A teenager whose grandparents were killed crossing a road days before Christmas has repeated calls for traffic safety measures.

Campbell Welsh, 82, and his wife Sheila, 81, were hit by a car on the A148 close to the village church in High Kelling, Norfolk, as they left a carol concert on 22 December.

Their granddaughter Izzy Welsh has launched a petition - already signed by more than 900 people - appealing for improvements along the road.

A Norfolk County Council spokesperson said a "comprehensive review of safety" on the A148 was being carried out following the couple's deaths.

The couple were trying to cross the A148 to reach their parked car when they were killed

Maddy Jennings/BBC Bunches of flowers leaning on a road sign, with leaves covering the verge, and next to the A148 — The couple were trying to cross the A148 to reach their parked car when they were killed

On starting her petition, 19-year-old Ms Welsh said: "Anyone who knew my grandma knows she would have been the first person to have done something like this.

"She was so involved in helping other people and ensuring everyone around her was safe.

"Everyone is really worried about this road and wants something done quite urgently because of the history of that road - and because they were so loved."

The University of Liverpool student, who is originally from Hitchin in Hertfordshire, said she wanted the speed limit lowered, safer crossings and street lighting.

"It's a straight road and it goes from a 60mph to 30mph very, very quickly," she said.

"There's no street lighting and traffic control measures or anything to check speed so this is a cause for concern, especially with so many elderly people living round there."

Ms Welsh said her family had been devastated by the loss, and she had remained close to them after they retired to Holt from Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, about 10 years ago.

In 2014, 15-year-old Martha Seaward was killed when she was struck by a lorry on the A148 in Upper Sheringham.

Callum Ringer said he was approached daily with concerns from residents about the A148's safety

Maddy Jennings/BBC Callum Ringer looks at the camera. He has a serious expression. He has a short beard and short brown hair. He is wearing a black zip-up fleece and is standing outside with a fence, hedge and electricity pole behind him. — Callum Ringer said he was approached daily with concerns from residents about the A148's safety

Bodham parish councillor and North Norfolk district Liberal Democrat councillor Callum Ringer said residents approached him every day with safety concerns regarding the number of crashes along the A148.

He said the most recent tragedy had prompted him to again urge the county council's highways department to conduct a "comprehensive safety review".

"They need to have a holistic approach for this [road]," he said.

Ringer and North Norfolk's Lib Dem MP Steffan Aquarone are calling for a meeting with organisations, including Norfolk highways and police.

"There have been a significant number of accidents on this stretch of road and this most recent loss of life is a stark reminder of the pressing need for immediate action to prevent future tragedies," said Aquarone.

A Norfolk County Council spokesperson said: "The suitability of any proposed highway changes would need to be fully assessed by our road safety team, who are best placed to advise on the most appropriate interventions following the review.

"We are aware of the requests to change the speed limit and this will form a part of the wider review."

A man, in his 50s, arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving following the fatal crash, has been bailed by police until March.

Listen: Calls for A148 safety measures after road deaths

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