A man passing by a roadworks site says a flame torch burning dangerously close to gas canisters was left unattended by workmen.

Matthew Casey was walking along Queens Road in Hethersett when he claims he saw the exposed flame.  

He says men from NR Asphalt were laying new tarmac as part of repairs to the route but had left a gas torch lying on the road completely unattended.

Workers were repairing the tarmac on Queens Road when the incident happenedWorkers were repairing the tarmac on Queens Road when the incident happened (Image: Newsquest) "The torch was burning next to a steel bucket full of tar which was catching alight," Matthew said.

"I immediately went to tell the workers who were nowhere near the fire but their response seemed to be less than worried.

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"And furthermore, there was a red gas canister nearby which could have blown up if the flames caught."

Torches powered by propane or butane are used by workers to melt the asphalt, making it easier to move into cracks or apply to the ground. 

Matthew was shocked to see the gas torch left unattendedMatthew was shocked to see the gas torch left unattended (Image: Matthew Casey) The asphalt team at Queens Road were under contract by Norfolk County Council to replace the surface of the speed ramps. 

Despite Matthew's concerns, a spokesman said the authority takes the health and safety of workers and locals "very seriously".

"We want all highway works to be carried out in a safe manner," he said.

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"Some activities relating to the surfacing process require materials to be activated by heat to enable their use but we will be speaking with the contractor involved to ensure works are being conducted appropriately."

But Matthew feared the worst. 

The type of gas torch seen at the worksite in HethersettThe type of gas torch seen at the worksite in Hethersett (Image: Creative Commons) "It's half term now and a fire which is left unattended anywhere is a hazard," he said.

"It was a dreadful display of health and safety practices, I am shocked, to be honest."

"There could have been a major accident or worse, someone could have been badly burnt.

"Children and flames don't mix."