Shotesham Ford to remain closed for 'foreseeable future'

Shotesham Ford has been shut since the death of Barry Howard, 75, who drowned while trying to cross it in his Toyota Yaris in December.

An inquest earlier this month heard Mr Howard was looking for a shortcut home from a Norwich City match at Carrow Road when he drove into the ford, which crosses the River Tas.Shotesham Ford has been closed since December (Image: Google Maps)

Heavy rain had swollen the river and the water was 3ft deep on the causeway. The crossing had been closed by police, but warning signs had been removed and dragged to the side of the road.

Mr Howard was unfamiliar with the road and was unaware of the dangers until he had driven too far into the river.

The concrete blocks restrict all vehicular traffic across the ford (Image: Newsquest)

In the wake of his death, the ford - which links Shotesham to the A140 - remained closed, with earlier reports suggesting it would reopen by early January.

However, it remained closed and earlier this month - just days before the inquest into Mr Howard's death - Norfolk County Council installed concrete roadblocks and large white and red stop signs, after officials said that some motorists were continuing to use the crossing.

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Questions about the safety of the crossing, which curves gradually and has a steep drop on one side, and about the signage for motorists, were raised at the hearing.

Samantha Goward, the coroner, issued a Prevention of Future Deaths report, which gives the council 56 days to address her safety concerns about the crossing.

An investigation was launched into how Barry Howard died (Image: Newsquest)

Following the inquest, a council spokesman said the roadblock would be in place for the "foreseeable future".

He added: "In the meantime, Norfolk County Council will conduct a feasibility study on the ford to determine what can be done to improve safety.

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"Discussions will continue with parish councils on the long-term future of the crossing and any decision on its future will be informed by these discussions and the outcome of the study."

Barry Howard died after being swept off the road and into the water at Shotesham Ford (Image: Supplied by family)

But news of the ford's continued closure has irritated some locals, who have described it as a "gross overreaction". 

One said: "Typical council response to solving a problem. Spend loads of money on a temporary solution while they debate what to do next.

"Railings on the side of the road would have been an easy answer and at less cost."

Both sides of the road are blocked (Image: Newsquest)