Anger over continuing 'destruction' of Dereham Road

Neighbours vented their frustration at the £4 million upgrade of Dereham Road, which was due to be completed by July, saying the “catastrophe” has been a huge waste of public money.

One person who lives nearby said: "The destruction of Dereham Road is now one month over the finish date and has seemingly been abandoned.

Dereham Road has been beset by numerous works since last year (Image: Denise Bradley)

"No workers have been there this week, with a thousand cones, dirt and weeds growing in the gutters."

"There is little doubt this Costessey catastrophe will be continuing into the autumn with millions of pounds of public money being wasted."

County Hall has defended the extension to the works saying it is due to “unseasonably wet weather”.

'GETTING USED TO DELAYS'

The roadworks in Dereham Road in Costessey started in July 2023 to upgrade the route’s bus and cycle lanes.

Although the scheme was due to be completed last month, there is no confirmed finish date yet.

The £4m project is more than a month behind schedule (Image: Denise Bradley)

Gerald Booty, 87, who has lived in the same house in Dereham Road since 1983, said: "We're having to get used to the delays.

"I'm waiting on a hip replacement so I need to be able to get in and out of the house.

READ MORE: Calls for council to 'clean up our parks' as overflowing bins sparks influx of rats

"There's also a new drain at the end of my drive which needs to be finished because it's very deep and I don't want to fall in."

Neighbour Sandra Pickford, 59, added: "It looks like an utter state outside and on the road.

Gerald Booty has lived beside Dereham Road for more than 40 years (Image: Newsquest)

“There's rubbish and bottles everywhere which have yet to be cleaned up and made proper.

"I just wish they'd hurry up and get it done, I don't understand what the hold-up is."

RUMOURS ABOUT CONTRACTORS

Controversy surrounded the project when rumours circulated that the contractor in charge of the work ran out of money and went into administration, prompting Costessey councillor Sharon Blundell to investigate.

Once completed, the project should see better bus links and safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians along Dereham Road (Image: Denise Bradley)

She said: "I have been in touch with the scheme's project manager who has stated that no company connected with the works has gone into administration.

"The civil works have all been completed and Norfolk County Council is now waiting for Vodaphone to complete theirs in the same area. Once this is done they will be able to finish."

Acknowledging locals’ frustration about the ongoing works, a Norfolk County Council spokesman said: "The Dereham Road works have been extended to allow for the unseasonably wet weather we experienced earlier in the year and issues with underground utilities.

READ MORE: Nearly 100 homes to take part in new neighbourhood yard sale

"We are aware that the works have been a source of frustration and we appreciate people's patience as these works are completed."

Councillor Sharon Blundell has investigated the causes of the delays (Image: Sharon Blundell)

THE £4M UPGRADE

In an effort to vastly improve transport links and efficiency through the western corridor of Norwich and beyond, the council allotted several million to upgrading bus lanes, cycling routes and pedestrian crossings along Dereham Road in January 2023. 

As well as a reduction in the speed limit to 30 mph, a new travel hub will be built and pavements "extensively" widened, along with the creation of more pedestrian and cycle crossings.

This, the council believes, will provide shorter and more consistent journey times for buses and greatly improve safety for those walking or cycling in the area.

Locals are fed up with the disruption (Image: Denise Bradley)