A national political party leader has visited Suffolk to support people campaigning for 20mph speed limits.

The leader of the Green Party, Natalie Bennett, came to the northern part of the county to see how the speed limits worked.

She met with a party councillor based in Suffolk, as part of a three-day visit to the region, when she visited Occold and later Eye.

The village of Occold already has a 20mph limit but more than 900 people in Eye have signed a petition calling for the reduced speeds in their town.

“I think it is interesting that we are seeing (the 20mph limit) spread to boroughs in London after consultations with the communities,” Ms Bennett said.

“People in villages and towns have the same right to it. Eye should have it - it’s a beautiful historic environment. It’s interesting that Occold is just down the road but it’s been 20mph for a long time and it makes a big difference.

“Some of the residents have said they have had some encouraging signs from the county council. I am confident that if I come back in a year’s time Eye will be a 20mph.”

The party leader met with the town mayor, Linda Cummins, at the Bank arts centre.

Mrs Cummins said: “She was quite keen about that lots of places were trying to do it. It’s definitely needed in the town, it’s needed because vehicles go through town to get to other places. People must respect that people live here and there are children; they must go slower. You can hear the speed they go when they go through the streets.

“We have done as much as we can (to get a 20mph limit) now it’s up to Suffolk County Council. It’s got to have got a bigger profile by Ms Bennett coming here.”

A county council panel is expected to meet early in the new year to discuss the proposals for Eye. Green councillor John Matthissen, who represents Onehouse in Mid Suffolk District Council toured round with the party leader.