Blue Boar Lane and Salhouse Road work to improve Sprowston

In recent months, parts of Blue Boar Lane in Sprowston have seen hundreds of metres of pipes above the ground as Anglian Water carries out a £1.7m project to repair the sewer network in the area. 

At the same time, works have been under way to widen footpaths and improve pedestrian and cycle routes along Blue Boar Lane, Harrisons Wood and Salhouse Road, with preparations also being made for a new pedestrian crossing near the junction of Linacre Avenue.

Blue Boar Lane has seen months of disruption as major projects are carried out (Image: Newsquest)

This is being done to provide better connectivity for those living in and around the White House Farm estate, coming as part of the development plan for the area.

And despite all the work, Sprowston Town Council has not received any formal complaints, according to its chairman, with Bill Couzens voicing his support for the schemes.

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He said: "I personally have not received any complaints about the works being carried out by Anglian Water, nor have I received any complaints about the provision or upgrading of the footpaths and cycle paths.

The work to cycle paths in the area have been received kindly by Bill Couzens (Image: Newsquest)

"I'm really pleased to see the footpaths and cycle paths provided and improved in an area which has been neglected for some time.

"I especially like the footpaths and cycleways through Harrisons Wood and along Salhouse Road.

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"This is an area where I have received complaints in the recent past so the provision is very welcome and I have already received a few very positive comments from residents in the area. 

Sprowston Town councillor Bill Couzens (Image: Sprowston Town Council)

"Many are glad they can avoid the dark and narrow area through the wooded part of Blue Boar Lane when cycling to school or work."

While upgrades to the cycle path draw near to an end, repairs to the sewage network at the top of Blue Boar Lane will continue until July 19. 

More than 500 metres of pipe is being relined by Anglian Water (Image: Newsquest)

But Anglian Water is committed to minimising overall disruption, recognising that months of work "isn't ideal".

A spokeswoman also added that the project team is looking to provide a donation to the local community and is happy to hear any suggestions residents may have.

Persimmon Homes, which is in charge of the cycle path work, has been contacted for comment.