Norwich Aldi in Longwater Retail Park still without crossing

Aldi opened in Longwater Retail Park in Costessey last July despite the expected pedestrian crossing in William Frost Way not being constructed.

That led to barriers being placed in the centre of the busy 30mph dual carriageway to prevent people attempting to cross dangerously - which are STILL in place.

Aldi previously tried to pull out of installing the crossing, amid disagreements with housing developer Persimmon, leading to Norfolk County Council erecting the barriers.

William Frost Way, at Longwater Retail Park, where pedestrians are having to walk by the barriers because the crossing hasn't been built yet (Image: Newsquest)

The crossing was included in Aldi's planning permission, leading to the situation being branded "a mockery" by frustrated locals.

Gary Blundell, district councillor for the New Costessey ward, said: "I'm deeply frustrated by the ongoing failure of both Aldi and Persimmon to fulfil their obligations.

"It's disheartening to witness large developers neglecting responsibilities, especially when they're directly linked to public safety.

Gary Blundell said it's unacceptable the pedestrian crossing hasn't been built yet (Image: Newsquest)

"The fact that these conditions were agreed upon as part of the planning process, yet remain unmet, makes a mockery of the system.

"It's unacceptable that they are allowed to delay, or disregard, these crucial conditions without facing any consequences."

Despite having the option to explore enforcement action due to the delay, South Norfolk Council says it is continuing to work with "both parties" on the issue.

A spokesman for the authority said: "The delivery of a crossing on William Frost Way remains a planning requirement of both the Aldi development and the Easton Persimmon residential development.

Nine months after Aldi opened, the pedestrian crossing still hasn't been built (Image: Newsquest)

"Both South Norfolk Council and the highway authority are continuing to work with both parties to get the approved crossing delivered.

"Until then, the temporary measures along William Frost Way will remain in place."

Locals have slammed the delay. Nathan Freeman, who was walking past Aldi, said: "It's quite ridiculous really.

"It's quite unsafe crossing the road at times, so having a pedestrian crossing would make it so much safer because it's a busy area of the retail park."

Steven Mitchell added: "There should be a crossing at this major road.

"It's congested all the time and is extremely busy, which makes it hazardous for anyone trying to cross.

"Whoever is financially responsible for the crossing should fulfil their contract and make sure it's actually put in place."

The crossing was part of Aldi's originally application but it since tried to get out of the deal (Image: Newsquest)

Both Aldi and Persimmon Homes declined to comment when contacted on multiple occasions by this newspaper.

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However, a county council spokesman said: "The William Frost Way crossing is a requirement of the planning permission of Aldi and Persimmon Homes, so it's not possible for us to say when it will be completed.

"Persimmon Homes has provided a design and a technical review of those drawings is close to being concluded.

"Once that's done, the necessary legal agreement enabling the developers to begin construction can progress."

Peter Silburn said the crossing is urgently needed for people's safety (Image: Newsquest)

Peter Silburn, chairman of the Norwich Cycling Group, has also been calling for the work.

He added: "It's needed urgently to provide safe access across what is currently a hostile environment for pedestrians and cyclists."

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Other aspects of the supermarket giant's site have been criticised since work started, including work by contractors last June to expand the pavement to make it wide enough for cyclists and pedestrians to share.  

However, drivers complained that only part of the work had been done, leading to a small section of the pavement protruding into the road which could cause a crash.

The protruding pavement in William Frost Way at Longwater (Image: Sharon Blundell)

Opinion: Get it built

Getting across William Frost Way is far more dangerous than it should be, as witnessed by the Evening News.

The pedestrian crossing should have been constructed months ago - before Aldi was ever built - but those involved are dragging their heels and going back and forth about who should pay for it.

Barriers were erected down the middle of William Frost Way in July, when Aldi opened, but there has been no further developments since (Image: Newsquest)

This newspaper wants the vital pedestrian crossing to be built as soon as possible (Image: Newsquest)

For the safety of pedestrians and cyclists trying to travel along this busy road, Aldi and Persimmon Homes need to put aside their differences and build this vital crossing as soon as possible.

Pictured above while our reporter spoke to people outside the supermarket last week is a woman who was trying to find her way across and then had to teeter on the narrow central reservation with traffic flying past.

It is time to get this very simple matter sorted - and quickly.