The Forum and green campaigners clash over Norwich traffic

Chief executive of The Forum, Tim Bishop, criticised the build-up of cars travelling through St Giles Street and Bethel Street - in part due to the controversial closure of Exchange Street.

He appealed for help to avoid the "completely predictable and preventable" traffic chaos at peak times such as Christmas, however, those looking for a more pedestrianised city have hit back.

Exchange Street, which was closed to motorised traffic in 2020, is said to have played a part in the increased traffic near The Forum (Image: Newsquest)

READ MORE: Everything Cakes and Craft Fair coming to Norwich venue

Matt White, head of Car-Free Norwich, said: "Traffic chaos isn't caused by pedestrianisation, but by traffic - much of which in the city centre is generated by The Forum's own car park.

Matt White, head of Car-Free Norwich, said Mr Bishop should take more responsibility (Image: Matt White)

"Mr Bishop should take more responsibility for this rather than blaming a scheme which has vastly improved a previously dangerous and unpleasant thoroughfare.

"It's incredibly sad that such a valuable cultural institution as The Form apparently relies so heavily for its funding on mass private car ownership - which wrecks our climate, our air quality and makes our roads congested and unsafe.

Traffic built up outside The Forum earlier this month (Image: The Forum)

"A new, sustainable funding model is desperately needed."

It's not the first time the two sides have clashed, with a war of words back in May over the advertisement of vehicles outside The Forum, in Millennium Plain.

Liam Calvert, Green Party councillor for Wensum Ward (Image: Liam Calvert)

READ MORE: Roadworks happening across Norwich during July 2023

Green Party councillor for Wensum Ward, Liam Calvert, added: "Opening pedestrianised shopping streets to motor vehicles would damage Norwich's shopping economy and employment prospects because relaxed, car-free streets are what attracts people to Norwich in the first place.

"One solution to the problem could be to review the timings at the roundabout.

"Local people, business and councillors need to have a meaningful say in how traffic schemes are designed and implemented, with more local decision-making to make sure that they are effective."

Tim Bishop, chief executive of The Forum, has appealed for help with the gridlock outside the venue (Image: The Forum)