A frustrating wait for an alternative exit from an estate with nearly 2,000 homes has stretched to EIGHT years.

Around 5,000 people live on the Queen's Hills estate, near Longwater Retail Park in Costessey, where construction work started in 2006.

The area has been plagued ever since by issues with community infrastructure taking a long time to be installed as families have moved in.

Now locals are growing increasingly concerned about the lack of an emergency exit from the estate, which can only be accessed by Sir Alfred Munnings Road.

Norwich Evening News: People have missed trains and flights while sitting in the traffic People have missed trains and flights while sitting in the traffic (Image: Matt Long)

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Matt Long has tried to take matters into his own hands having seen his friends and neighbours miss trains and flights, as well as miss hours of work.

He said: “Having one route in and out of the estate affects the people that live here multiple times a year by trapping people in the housing estate.” 

Norfolk County Council said in 2015 that, following an Evening News campaign, an agreement was being worked on to utilise a disused bus lane at the back of the estate that led into Ringland Lane. 

Norwich Evening News: The idea was that a disused bus lane would be adopted by the council, but developers have gone quiet The idea was that a disused bus lane would be adopted by the council, but developers have gone quiet (Image: Matt Long)

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The idea was that police would be able to open up the route in exceptional circumstances.

Matt said: “Eight years on and this still has not happened. 

“This issue has dragged on far too long and we are sick of this being ignored.  

“The issue is raised multiple times every year and is getting worse as Longwater expands.” 

The issue was highlighted recently when roadworks started earlier than scheduled near the new Aldi at Longwater, causing rush hour gridlock and prompting an apology from the supermarket.  

Norwich Evening News: People living in the area are concerned People living in the area are concerned (Image: Matt Long)

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District councillor Gary Blundell said: “Do I agree there should be a second route? Yes, there should be.  

“But that has to be done in such a way as to not have a detrimental impact on the estate and turn it into a shortcut. 

“Norfolk County Council is still looking to adopt the bus lane but as adoption of any road is voluntary it is down to the developers to hand them to the relevant authorities and at this time the developers have gone quiet on this and other issues.” 

The council has been approached for comment. 

Norwich Evening News: Gary Blundell, District Councillor for Costessey Gary Blundell, District Councillor for Costessey (Image: Gary Blundell)