Hundreds of protestors, many wearing and brandishing bat costumes and symbols, marched through Norwich to protest against the controversial proposed £274m Norwich Western Link.

Giant puppet bats and drummers led the one-mile march, which was organised by campaign group Stop The Wensum Link ahead of Norfolk County Council lodging plans for the road to its own planning committee.

Norwich Evening News: The campaigners marched from Wensum Park before gathering at the steps of Norwich City HallThe campaigners marched from Wensum Park before gathering at the steps of Norwich City Hall (Image: Newsquest)

Campaigners argue the 3.9-mile route, which would cut through the Wensum Valley to link the Norwich Northern Distributor Road to the A47, will increase carbon emissions, encourage car use and damage wildlife habitats, including rare barbastelle bats.

READ MORE: Norwich Western Link risk to bats prompts war of words

About 300 people gathered outside Norwich City Hall following the colourful protest march from Wensum Park.

Norwich Evening News: Many protesters had symbols of bats colonies of which campaigners say will be harmed by the proposed roadMany protesters had symbols of bats colonies of which campaigners say will be harmed by the proposed road (Image: Newsquest)

Addressing the crowd, Nick Acheson, ambassador for the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said the campaign was “about saving our last fragments of nature and natural beauty”. 

He said: “The people who want to squander nature aren't our enemies. It is out job as lovers of nature to explain to them why this river is so precious, why this network of woodlands that cut right through the valley is so important and how we can deliver a future for the people of Norfolk which is far richer by helping people to travel by public transport, reducing cars and bringing biodiversity and healthy living.”

Norwich Evening News: An artist's impression of the proposed Norwich Western Link that would cut through the Wensum ValleyAn artist's impression of the proposed Norwich Western Link that would cut through the Wensum Valley (Image: Newsquest)

Critics have also said Conservative-controlled County Hall is taking a huge financial gamble with the road.

Speaking ahead of the march, Graham Plant, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport at Norfolk County Council, said: “I understand there are lots of different views on the Norwich Western Link. 

Norwich Evening News: The march was organised by campaign group Stop The Wensum Link The march was organised by campaign group Stop The Wensum Link (Image: Newsquest)Norwich Evening News: Giant puppets of bats featured in the marchGiant puppets of bats featured in the march (Image: Newsquest)

“From my perspective, there is a significant problem with traffic congestion to the west of Norwich, which is projected to get worse with housing and employment growth in and around the city, and it’s important that we tackle this.”

He said proposed environmental measures would limit the impact on the surrounding area and support and protect wildlife.