Now get it done - that is the firm message from a city community after councillors almost saw millions of pounds worth of funding slip from their grasp.

The regeneration of Sprowston Road in NR3 is one of a number of projects set to benefit from the £32m Transforming Cities Fund, with hopes it would bring major safety improvements for pedestrians and drivers.

Norwich Evening News: The road has become renowned for its safety issuesThe road has become renowned for its safety issues (Image: Denise Bradley)

However, earlier this year there were worries that the government was considering taking away a slice of the cash as part of a national review of how money is being spent.

But the situation was rescued after Norfolk County Council made a case to the Department for Transport that it should be allowed to spend money beyond this March.

"I was proud to help secure these millions of pounds from Westminster to make improvements," said Norwich North MP Chloe Smith.

Norwich Evening News: Norwich North MP Chloe SmithNorwich North MP Chloe Smith (Image: PA)

"I’ve consistently called on the county council to spend them wisely and be sure to listen to residents.

"There are some tough and long-standing issues to get right here for the residents and businesses in and around Sprowston Road, and the council must work closely with local people to make this investment a success."

Folk living in the area have called for major changes to ease congestion and improve safety - highlighting a shortage of "decent crossings", speeding traffic and illegally parked cars blocking the road in a major consultation in 2021.

Norwich Evening News: Locals have highlighted a shortage of decent crossings, speeding motor traffic and illegally parked cars blocking the roadLocals have highlighted a shortage of decent crossings, speeding motor traffic and illegally parked cars blocking the road (Image: Denise Bradley)

Ideas such as widening the road and removing on-street parking have been touted as possible solutions for these issues.

"It is great to see the council has secured the funding," said Julie Brociek-Coulton, Labour county councillor for the Sewell ward.

"It is such a large pot of money and I hope it can be spent on also improving the areas around Sprowston Road.

Norwich Evening News: Julie Brociek-Coulton, councillor for the Sewell wardJulie Brociek-Coulton, councillor for the Sewell ward (Image: Julie Brociek-Coulton)

"This includes the nightmare at the top of Constitution Hill, the unsafe junction on Gertrude Road and the dangers on Silver Road.

"This is what people have said they would like to see so I hope the council listens to them."

The busy road is notorious for drivers having to take great care, particularly with buses using the busy road close to the city centre, with vehicles sometimes having to mount the kerb due to the volume of parked cars creating a narrow passage.

Norwich Evening News: The busy road is notorious for drivers having to take great careThe busy road is notorious for drivers having to take great care (Image: Denise Bradley)

A county council spokesman said: "We are currently developing proposals that would make Sprowston Road safer and more accessible.

"Any potential scheme will need to reflect what has been said during the community engagement we have already carried out.

"Once this work is complete we will present our proposals to the local community for further feedback."

Sprowston Road is one of a number of major projects set to benefit from the Transforming Cities Fund - including the £4.4m revamp of the Heartsease roundabout, a £1.7m bus interchange at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and recently approved plans for Newmarket Road and Dereham Road.

Norwich Evening News: Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transportGraham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport (Image: Archant)

Cash has already been spent on schemes including the £6.1m St Stephens Street shake-up, changes to the Grapes Hill roundabout and the controversial bus lane in Cromer Road, Hellesdon.

Following the news that the council had secured the funding, Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: "This clearly reflects our strong track record of delivering schemes across the city.

"We have made it easier and safer for residents and visitors to get around Norwich, whether they’re walking, cycling or catching a bus.

"We will continue to work closely with the government and local partners to deliver these improvements."