Cyclists have slammed a supermarket giant that intends to open soon despite a vital piece of safety infrastructure not being in place.

Aldi has confirmed its new store, in Longwater Retail Park in Costessey, will open on Thursday, July 6.

However, a pedestrian crossing is still absent from the area even though it was agreed during the planning process.

Norwich Evening News: The pedestrian crossing was agreed during the application process for the new Aldi supermarket, but has yet to be builtThe pedestrian crossing was agreed during the application process for the new Aldi supermarket, but has yet to be built (Image: Newsquest)

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The news has come as a shock to those looking to use the proposed safety feature.

Derek Williams, spokesman for Norwich Cycling Campaign, said: "This is a really big issue. The whole route around Longwater is a mess and has been for nearly 30 years.

Norwich Evening News: Derek Williams, spokesman for Norwich Cycling CampaignDerek Williams, spokesman for Norwich Cycling Campaign (Image: Thomas Woods)

"The crossing won't be done now before Aldi opens - it's going to take a month or two.

"The way the road is laid out there are obvious hazard points - overall it's horrendously dangerous.

"Now with the added attraction of Aldi, it's likely to bring in so much more footfall to the area - just what the road didn't need."

Norwich Evening News: The new Aldi supermarket is due to open its doors to the public on July 6The new Aldi supermarket is due to open its doors to the public on July 6 (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

Aldi insist that a crossing will be put in place at some point, saying it's "in dialogue with officers at South Norfolk Council to find a way for the new crossing to be delivered, by both Aldi and Persimmon as soon as possible".

Persimmon are responsible for a housing estate in nearby Easton and Aldi had pledged a "significant financial contribution" but planning approval was given back in April 2021.

Mr Williams believes that the busy 30mph dual carriageway is "an absolute disaster" wherever he looks.

Norwich Evening News: William Frost Way, in Longwater, is a busy route which connects to the A47William Frost Way, in Longwater, is a busy route which connects to the A47 (Image: Newsquest)

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He added: "Where the proposed crossing is supposed to go is designed to be as cheap as possible and not for the people who need it - pedestrians and cyclists - not being on the desired line.

Norwich Evening News: Aldi say it's looking to find a way for the new crossing to be delivered as soon as possibleAldi say it's looking to find a way for the new crossing to be delivered as soon as possible (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

"William Frost Way is an absolute disaster in general, with it all feeding into one large roundabout is crazy.

"It seems Aldi and Persimmon have got away with just building one crossing and splitting the cost to save money."