Norwich: Norman Centre's overgrown bush finally cut back

The bush near the entrance of the Norman Centre in Bignold Road, Mile Cross, has been cut back after obscuring the view of oncoming vehicles for a number of years. Picture: Supplied <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
The bush near the entrance of the Norman Centre in Bignold Road, Mile Cross, has been cut back after obscuring the view of oncoming vehicles for a number of years. Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)
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Relief has been felt in a Norwich community after a troublesome shrub affecting the visibility of pedestrians and vehicles has finally been trimmed back.

A 91-year-old regular user of the Norman Centre's services explained how the bush near the facility's entrance obscured the view of oncoming traffic, saying pedestrians "take their lives in their hands" when crossing Bignold Road in Mile Cross.

"It has grown out of control," she said before it was trimmed last week.

Norwich Evening News: The bush in Bignold Road in 2018 - Picture: Google Street ViewThe bush in Bignold Road in 2018 - Picture: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

"Everyone says it's dreadful. The council needs to do something.

"Apparently, people have been trying to get it done for years.

"People have been almost knocked down because they can't see oncoming vehicles.

"Someone could be killed there.

Norwich Evening News: The now-trimmed hedge in Bignold Road, in close proximity to the entrance of Mile Cross' Norman CentreThe now-trimmed hedge in Bignold Road, in close proximity to the entrance of Mile Cross' Norman Centre (Image: Supplied)

"I nearly got caught by a motorbike the other day.

"I do not understand how somebody's not gotten squashed.

"It really is dangerous."

Since then Norfolk County Council has trimmed the hedge back and restored visibility to the area.

Chrissie Rumsby, Labour county councillor for Mile Cross said: "It's good that when things get reported they're quick in being sorted. But they need reporting in the first place.

Norwich Evening News: Cllr Chrissie RumsbyCllr Chrissie Rumsby (Image: Labour Party)

"I think the bush had been an issue for four or five years. It's a classic case of everyone thinking someone else has reported it."

Steve Morphew, Norfolk County Council's Labour group leader, added: "Since the county council took on responsibility for maintaining verges, street flower beds and trees, the level of care has reduced considerably.

"That makes it all the more important to report it early - and chase often - to ensure the job gets done."

Norwich Evening News: Cllr Steve MorphewCllr Steve Morphew (Image: Archant)

A spokesman for the council said: "Our highways and pathways are regularly checked to ensure they conform to the highest possible safety standards.

"If you feel there is an issue related to safety, please report it to us as soon as you are able.

"The quickest way to contact us is through our dedicated webform."

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