Council blasted over Yarmouth Road plans in Thorpe St Andrew

Norfolk County Council is looking to carry out a series of changes to Yarmouth Road at its approach to the roundabout with Pound Lane in Thorpe St Andrew.

The county council is look overhaul Yarmouth Road (Image: Denise Bradley)

The project would include the creation of a larger mini roundabout, the installation of double yellow lines, moving crossings and the formation of new parking bays.

The authority announced a public consultation last week and hopes the overhaul will help relieve traffic jams and "deliver better, more punctual" bus services.

But some locals have blasted the scheme as a "waste of money". 

Rebecca Mann, owner of Sunkissed (Image: Denise Bradley)

Rebecca Mann, who owns the Sunkissed tanning salon, said: "I don't see the point in this scheme. I've never seen any serious congestion in Yarmouth Road.

"The new double yellow lines will result in customers having less space to park. And that could impact trade for businesses down here.

"I've worked here for 10 years and owned it for six. And in that time, we managed to get through the Covid pandemic. 

"This is the last thing we need.

"It 100pc feels like a complete waste of money."

The proposed changes to the road (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Another business owner, who did not wish to be named, said the plans would likely impact trade.

"I'm worried about this because it will hit us," they added.

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"But I'm not really sure what I can do at this point. I don't think anything can help to improve the situation."

City folk can take part in the consultation until Wednesday, March 20 via the county council's online survey or by asking for a hard copy by calling or emailing the authority.

The council declined to comment on the predicted cost of the scheme.

The scheme would involve the removal of a zebra crossing and installation of a signal-controlled crossing (Image: Denise Bradley)

Another homeowner said: "On the one hand I think these changes could make the road safer.

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"It can be dangerous for pedestrians and the new crossings could help improve that.

"But it does feel like this is just about money.

"It seems like the council has a pot of money and just wants to spend it."

The plans would also see the widening of the roundabout at the end of Yarmouth Road (Image: Denise Bradley)