'Unsafe' underpass could be ditched as part of £6.2m works

Under a raft of potential changes to Dereham Road costing £6.2m, Norfolk County Council is proposing a mobility hub for bus stops, Beryl bike bays and cycle and car club spaces on the Bowthorpe roundabout.

One aspect of the changes on the roundabout, which joins onto a 40mph dual carriageway in and out of Norwich from Costessey, is the removal of an underpass from Breckland Road in Costessey to Bowthorpe Park.

The plans to instead build an improved crossing on the road will go through a community consultation next year, according to Martin Wilby, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport on the county council.

Dan Burrill, Costessey Town Council chairman, said: "My personal view is I like the idea of getting rid of the underpass. There are plenty of people that don't want to use it because it feels unsafe.

"There has been rather a lot of water collecting in the underpass in the past and it attracts a fair bit of graffiti. It adds to people's feelings of vulnerability."

He added he was not aware of anyone being a victim of crime in the subway but said some people crossed the busy Dereham Road instead to avoid the underground path.

Mr Burrill said he was in favour of the mobility hub - adding he liked "anything that makes public transport better".

But Jon Watson, from Clover Hill, who is lead co-ordinator of Bowthorpe Neighbourhood Watch, said: "We welcome ideas that can help promote the use of public transport and better transport links – as long as it’s done in a safe way.

"The plans that have been put forward to remove the underpass and build a transport hub at the Bowthorpe Roundabout has already created concerns from some people living nearby in regards to safety of those who use the underpass to get across to Costessey - including many school children.

"The underpass is the safest way to get across. I'd prefer it to stay."

If the subway was removed it would be replaced with a community green space.