Campaigners have issued a plea for the Heartsease roundabout in Norwich to be spruced up - and for poppies to be planted there in remembrance of the 100th anniversary of the First World War.

However, campaigners may have to wait until later in the year to see any improvements, when the city council will be resurfacing the road and looking at the roundabout.

Jill Wigy, from St William's Way, Thorpe St Andrew, who drives by the busy roundabout daily, said: 'The roundabout has been a bone of contention for some time. It took several years before the authorities would admit to the fact that the date palm in the centre of the roundabout was actually dead and its subsequent removal took just as long.

'A wide variety of reasons have been given for its neglect. These include the fact that it's housing a large number of utilities which have to be accessible, health and safety issues involved with its maintenance, and the height of foliage because of the possibility of blocking motorists' vision.

'However, if the spirit was willing and with a little ingenuity all could be overcome, just ask the children from the local primary school who were extremely resourceful with their suggestions as to its improvement.

'With the interest in the beginning of the First World War, approaches have been made regarding the sowing of corn poppies at the site, which would be a nice idea.'

Crome ward city councillor Marion Maxwell said she had been reassured by Norwich City Council that the road would be resurfaced in October when the roundabout could would also be looked at it.

She said that putting poppies on the roundabout was a 'lovely idea'.

As reported, the roundabout has been named as one of the highest priorities for new pedestrian crossing improvements in the city.

But last December, cash-strapped councillors revealed they could not afford to spend the £3m needed to make the problem-plagued Norwich roundabout safer.

Residents in the area are also concerned about cars illegally turning right into Aldi from Plumstead Road.

How would you spruce up the roundabout? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk