Norwich roadworks: 'Nightmare' delays could shut businesses

Business owners, homeowners and visitors have complained about access to the city as works continue. 

The most notable disruption of late is Drayton Road, which was closed last week to be widened and resurfaced as part of the 157-home second phase of the Persimmon Homes scheme at the former Royal Norwich Golf Club.

During works on the major route into the city from the north, high volumes of traffic were seen backing up Low Road - much like when Sweet Briar Road was closed for 99 days from February through to May.

A spokeswoman for Persimmon Homes said: "We apologise to those living in the area for the inconvenience caused while this work has been taking place.

"These works form part of the S278 agreement for this development and have been designed by Norfolk Highways and carried out by Breheny on behalf of Persimmon Homes.

"However, they are essential to improve the local infrastructure in Hellesdon and we appreciate the patience shown by local residents during this time."

Vijay Jetani, who runs Namaste Village, said that roadworks in the city and the wider Norwich area are a "nightmare".

He questioned when the frequent run of roadworks across the city would come to an end.

"Everything takes longer. And especially now, when it comes to fuel efficiency, we have to be so careful," he said.

"We deliver for free at the moment so when it comes to the roadworks it's really painful for us.

"Diversions mean it costs us more and takes us longer to deliver.

"In the pandemic I was delivering food myself so I know the specifics and what it takes.

"But when food gets delayed people ask for refunds - and that's how we know the roadworks are impacting us."

Namaste employs three delivery drivers, with a fourth on standby in the restaurant for busy spells.

Vijay added: "I know the impact all this is having on my drivers.

"It's even putting stress on our customers.

"It's the last thing we need."

Miriam Devlin is director of Thorns in Exchange Street, Norwich.

The street hit the headlines last week when confusion over a car ban prompted city woman Lucy Hall, 66, to act as a "human bollard" to protest drivers flouting the street's pedestrianisation rules.

She said: "We need access throughout the day for both deliveries coming into us and going out.

"We have vans going out two or three times a day."

She added: "If they close more roads, shops are going to shut.

"There are roadworks everywhere at the moment and it's just not helping trade at all.

"It's stopping people from coming into the city as they don't know what's happening next.

"It puts people off, especially if you have young children."

Craig Allison, the co-owner of Gyre and Gimble in Charing Cross - which has a sister gin-making experience in the Royal Arcade - added: "I wouldn't say roadworks have impacted us directly.

"We're having to rethink our business model and be a bit more mindful and strategic as to the clients - who they are and when we go to see them and if we can see others in the area on the same day.

"Whether diversions, rising fuel or not, that feels like good practice.

"We can't say that it's directly impacted our customers either.

"Recently we've had more bums on seats, but it's our average spends that lets us down with the cost of living crisis.

"We're not as busy, but I don't say roadworks are a solid reason - there are bigger problems in the world at the moment."