Zebra crossing rethink
Planners are reconsidering where to place a new zebra crossing on Earlham Road. Nearby Recreation Road Infants asked for the crossing to make it easier for families to walk to school. But many local residents raised concerns about safety. Read More…
Demand for more grit boxes
The icy conditions this winter have prompted calls to improve the way Norwich copes with dangerous, slippery pavements. City councillors want more grit boxes and better publicity, explaining the public can use them themselves during bad weather. The Norfolk and Norwich University hospital saw the number of fractures they treated double during the wintry conditions.
Cuts in bus fares hinted at
Fast bus lanes are planned on six corridors into the city, including Newmarket Road in south Norwich. But most people think public transport remains too expensive. A report today hints the county council will look at ways to cut fares, to encourage people out of their cars. Read More…
“Norwich in ninety” campaign launch
A petition is being launched today to push for a faster rail link between Norwich and London. Dubbed “Norwich in Ninety”, the campaign is backed by business and council leaders, who’re urging local people to sign up. Trains from London to Birmingham already cover the same distance inside ninety minutes. Campaigners demand Norwich should get the same fast Inter-City service.
Where grit will go, if we get more snow
A network of key roads in Norwich has been identified, in the case of another cold snap before the city’s salt supplies can be topped up.
The City Council has drawn up the priority routes (shown in blue) which will be gritted. The Government has asked councils to halve the amount of road salt they use. Read More…
Roadside verges could be used to grow vegetables
As the waiting list for an allotment in Norwich tops five hundred, the city council is drawing up a strategy to meet demand. Among the suggestions; growing vegetables on roadside verges or on unused patches of land. Green spaces near flats and brownfield sites could also become informal vegetable patches.
Lights to go out across south Norwich
Hundreds of street lights could soon be switched off across south Norwich, from midnight to five am. It could save Norfolk County Council £200 thousand each year and reduce CO2 emissions. Their own research shows the move is likely to make people feel less safe.
More snow forecast for weekend
A severe weather warning has been issued by the Met Office for the East of England, forecasting heavy snow before midnight tonight. Drivers are being warned of icy conditions on untreated roads. Holiday-makers have been hit. Dr Nick Steel, who lives off Earlham Road, has been left stranded in Switzerland, after high winds shut Luton airport earlier today. His re-scheduled flight has also been cancelled. Speaking from Geneva, he said: “It’s chaos.. there are huge queues at the desks, no-one’s sure what’s happening, but at least Easyjet put us up in a hotel.”
Backing for blanket speed limit of 20 mph
Long-awaited advice on speed limits has been issued by the Government. Today councils were told they can introduce 20 mph speed limits, without the need for costly traffic calming measures.
This will be welcome news to Norwich City Council, who’ve been considering introducing the limit on all residential roads, but faced a bill of £350,000 to pay for speed bumps. Read More…
Sites earmarked for future homes
Plans to build on a strip of land behind houses on Earlham Road is facing strong opposition from residents. It’s one of dozens of sites, including part of Eaton Golf Club and large parts the UEA, earmarked for future development. Read More…
Read more stories from south Norwich...
