Dominy Jones from Louis' in Upper St Giles with the petition.Photo: Steve Adams

Campaigners will today call for a rethink on a £1.45m proposal aiming to ease city-centre congestion.

Norwich City Council hopes to make Chapel Field North two-way in an attempt to prevent buses getting stuck in traffic, while St Stephen’s Street and part of Surrey Street will be closed to general traffic.

The designs include relocating parking bays from Chapel Field North, plus removing the pavement on the south side of the street, nearest to Chapelfield Park.

Mary O’Brien, who is helping to organise the campaign, said the group was not against the whole project, but was concerned about parking and traffic arrangements proposed for Chapel Field North, and changes to Chapelfield Park.

The Lower Bethel Street resident said alternative plans for the street had been drawn up, while 10 petitions have been handed out in the city, including Louis’ Deli, in Upper St Giles Street.

Deli staff member Dominy Jones said: “The response has been really positive. We think they are in the deli to have a cake and a loaf of bread but it’s been to sign the petition.”

Bert Bremner, city council cabinet member for transport, said: “What is really strange to me is that in the plans, one of the places that seems to benefit is Chapel Field North and the park.”

The campaigners will have a table at The Forum from 9am to 5pm today. The Norwich Area Highways Committee will discuss the results of last year’s consultation on January 24.

For more on the campaign, see tomorrow’s Evening News.