Norwich: Costessey Longwater roundabout long grass concerns

The tall grass at Longwater roundabout in Costessey has been a hot topic for some living nearby who have called for the roundabout to be kept tidy to avoid the lack of visibility when driving around it.

Currently standing at around five feet on the raised ground, it comes as local authorities have been urged to take part in No Mow May in recent years by environmental groups.

The grass at the roundabout is located in Longwater, near McDonald's and Sainsburys (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

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District councillor Gary Blundell said: "I can see why people might think that grass this high at a location like this may cause accidents, but it may also make people slow down going round the roundabout and make others more cautious, rather than seeing a small space and darting out.

"I use that roundabout daily and even with the natural grasses growing during a short period of time I've had no issues.

The grass has been a hot topic among commuters who are calling for it to be cut for the safety of everyone (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"It's a very fine balance between safety and helping the environment as well, because the biodiversity it brings is amazing.

"I'm not aware of any accidents during the No Mow May in that area, and no residents have raised concerns that I'm aware of in the Costessey area."

The busy roundabout links the A47 to Longwater Retail Park home to popular shops including McDonald's, Sainsbury's and The Range.

Gary Blundell, district councillor, said he thinks the grass will help drivers be safer around the area (Image: Newsquest)

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Norfolk County Council does not officially take part in No Mow May, which is aimed at encouraging more flowers, pollinators and insects.

However, a county council spokeswoman explained: "Norfolk's roadside verges are only cut for safety reasons and not appearance.

"Verges along main roads are cut twice between May and September each year and rural roads cut once a year, with additional cutting near corners and junctions for visibility, if needed."

Commuters are worried the tall grass at Longwater roundabout could cause an accident (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Costessey Town Council chairman, Patrick O'Connor, said: "The land does look untidy but hopefully it will be cut soon.

"I think Highways has a policy of letting vegetation grow in order to promote insects and nesting birds."

Costessey Town Council chairman, Patrick O'Connor said the land looks untidy but hopefully it will be cut soon (Image: Newsquest)

Norfolk County Council said the grass at verges is only cut for safety reasons and not appearance (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)