Concerns over the erosion of riverbanks and the effect on houses have prompted calls to be made for HGVs to be diverted along other routes rather than go through a Fenland village.

South West Norfolk MP Elizabeth Truss was told at a meeting in Upwell that the number of heavy lorries on the A1101 through the village was causing riverbanks to collapse and houses to creak.

Bob Johns, organiser of the village group calling for changes, said 33 heavy lorries passed his house in one morning. And he added that, while the speed limit through the village was 30mph, many motorists ignored it.

Residents want traffic calming measures, including a static speed camera, to be introduced, and in the long term, a bypass.

Afterwards, Ms Truss said: “It’s really clear there are major issues in Upwell. First of all, with the HGVs driving on, essentially, a small rural road. I would like the county council to look at what type of vehicles are allowed to use roads like this.

“It may have been suitable when lorries were smaller, but not any more. And to look at, potentially, diverting HGVs onto roads such as the A10 and A47. There needs to be a proper study on this.”

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: “The A1101 is a primary route on the county’s road network and, therefore, suitable for all traffic use. We will, however, be working with Upwell parish council to investigate possible low-cost measures through our parish partnership scheme.”