People living in a suburban street have warned that someone could be killed unless something is done to stop the rat-running in their road.

The cut-through from Mousehold Avenue to Gertrude Road should be a dead-end but a bollard that stopped vehicles was mysteriously removed several years ago.

Those living in the area are increasingly concerned for the safety of children using that stretch of pavement to get to the nearby park, especially as vegetation along the path is now widely overgrown obstructing the view for pedestrians.

A dead-end at the bottom of Gertrude Road is being used as a cut through by driversA dead-end at the bottom of Gertrude Road is being used as a cut through by drivers (Image: Newsquest)

The site is mere metres away from Mousehold Infant and Nursery School, opposite the road from the 35th Norwich Sea Scouts, and next to Sandy Park.

Sylvie Ellis, 78, who lives in Gertrude Road, warned that there will be a “bad accident there one day”.

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She added: "It's disgusting - someone will soon get killed.”

Norfolk County Council has confirmed that it is planning to replace the post to stop drivers using the path as a cut-through and will trim the verges next month.  

The grassy verges are limiting visibility - and won't get cut until around mid-JulyThe grassy verges are limiting visibility - and won't get cut until around mid-July (Image: Newsquest)

 

Neighbours Elizabeth Buck (left) and Sylvie Ellis are worried that someone could get killedNeighbours Elizabeth Buck (left) and Sylvie Ellis are worried that someone could get killed (Image: Newsquest)

‘IT’S GETTING WORSE’

Mrs Ellis revealed that the path was originally used as a shortcut, but was pedestrianised when the park was created.

She said: "Drivers leave the Sprowston Road and cut down Gertrude Road to get to Mousehold Avenue - they're using the dead end for rat-running. 

"It was a road when I first moved in 40 years ago, but they made it into a pathway when Sandy Park was built to make it safer to access."

A Google Map image from 2021 shows the bollard that used to stop driversA Google Map image from 2021 shows the bollard that used to stop drivers (Image: Google)

Her neighbour, Elizabeth Buck, 49, added: "A child is going to get hurt.

"It is impossible to see over the grassy verges that haven't been cut for months.

"I've seen lorries use it as a shortcut. 

"Kids run up and down that bit on their way to and from school.

"It wasn't so bad when the bollard was first removed but now loads of drivers know they can use it as a cut-through and it is just getting worse."

Cars are using the stretch of pavement as a shortcut to Mousehold AvenueCars are using the stretch of pavement as a shortcut to Mousehold Avenue (Image: Newsquest)

Mousehold Avenue is a 20mph zone, though several locals said that those using the 'shortcut' don't stick to the speed limit.

"It is really dangerous," said Adam Freeman, who cycles past the site regularly.

"I've reported it to Norfolk County Council three times now. 

WHAT DOES THE COUNCIL SAY?

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council confirmed that they have received a number of enquiries about the use of the dead-end as a cut-through and have plans for work in the area soon.

"We can confirm the location in question remains a dead end and we hope to have a replacement post installed within the next six weeks.

"We hope the work to install a new post will be complete within six weeks.

"The verges should be trimmed by mid-July as part of the second city cut, which will see vegetation growth cut back in this area."