The leader of the Green Party is to support people campaigning for 20mph speed limits in Suffolk’s towns and villages.

In the New Year a Suffolk County Council panel is expected to make recommendations about extending the limits across the county.

Today Natalie Bennett, as part of a three-day visit to the region, will be visiting Occold, near Eye, one of three villages already enjoying the benefits of a 20mph limit.

But she will also travel to Eye, where more than 900 people have signed a petition calling for a similar limit.

Ms Bennett said: “When I was in Suffolk a year ago, our Green councillors had just triggered a row at county hall with a proposal to allow any community that wanted 20mph limits to have them.

“A year on, I’m delighted that Green councillors and activists have made sure 20mph limits are fully on Suffolk’s agenda. People in villages and small towns have just as much right to safe streets with lower pollution as people in big cities.”

In Eye, Ms Bennett will be meeting with town mayor Linda Cummins.

Green councillor John Matthissen, who represents Onehouse in Mid Suffolk, will be touring the county with his party leader.

He said: “More and more communities in Suffolk are recognising the benefits of slower speeds where people live.”