A shake-up which would see changes made to one of Norwich's busiest roads has been defended by council bosses, in the face of criticism over the £700,000 project.

Changes are due to be made to the city's Dereham Road / Grapes Hill junction which would see existing lanes altered and curbs moved.

Norfolk County Council bosses say the scheme, funded through County Hall's £50m bus service improvement plan, would speed up buses and bring improvements for all road users.

Eastern Daily Press: The proposed changes to the Dereham Road/Grapes Hill junctionThe proposed changes to the Dereham Road/Grapes Hill junction (Image: Norfolk County Council)

But Norwich Cycling Campaign and the Norwich Society have raised concerns, while the matter was raised at a meeting of County Hall's Conservative-controlled cabinet.

Eastern Daily Press: Green county councillor Jamie OsbornGreen county councillor Jamie Osborn (Image: Submitted)

Green county councillor Jamie Osborn said: "The consultation on the proposals showed that the only group who were in favour of the changes were motorists.

"Cyclists and pedestrians were unhappy with the proposals, and bus users were neutral, according to the consultation.

"Does the cabinet member think that a scheme that only motorists support and which does not have the support of bus users, pedestrians, or cyclists is a good use of sustainable
transport money?"

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Eastern Daily Press: Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transportGraham Plant, Norfolk County Council cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport (Image: Norfolk County Council)

But Graham Plant, the council's cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport hit back.

He said: "The consultation gave an opportunity for all those potentially affected by the scheme to respond.

"Of the 63 people who responded, seven said they predominantly cycled through the area, and 12 said they walked through.

"These respondents did highlight concerns and we have considered these as part of finalising the proposals.

"Whilst the majority of the respondents to the consultation said they drove through the area and were in favour, this does not imply the scheme does not have the support of those using the bus, walking or cycling, as very few of those network users replied.

"Bus passengers, and non-bus users, tell us reliability is the key thing they want
from a bus service and this proposal will reduce bus journey times and improve bus
journey reliability, representing an excellent use of this sustainable transport funding."

Eastern Daily Press: The Dereham Road / Grapes Hill junction in NorwichThe Dereham Road / Grapes Hill junction in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Plant, who has the final say on whether it will go ahead, said the junction will become safer for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians.

Work would be carried out towards the end of the year.