Campaigners who branded roundabout revamp plans as "substandard" and dangerous have unveiled alternative proposals they say would make it safer.

Work is due to start at the Easton and Longwater roundabouts, on the edge of Norwich, later this year.

Eastern Daily Press: The roundabout at Easton Pic: Google MapsThe roundabout at Easton Pic: Google Maps (Image: Archant)

But Norwich Cycling Campaign has criticised the proposals, which Persimmon Homes, the developer behind the 780-home Festival Park development being built off Dereham Road in Easton, will pay for.

Eastern Daily Press: Plans for the Easton roundabout. Pic: Norfolk County CouncilPlans for the Easton roundabout. Pic: Norfolk County Council (Image: NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL HIGHWAYS)

The proposals include a pedestrian crossing across Dereham Road towards Easton, with a shared cycle and pedestrian footpath by the roundabout.

But cyclists say they would have to dismount to use a two-metre wide footpath over the A47 bridge linking the showground with the Longwater roundabout in Costessey.

The campaign group said that is dangerous and has put forward its own designs.

Eastern Daily Press: Derek Williams, from Norwich Cycling CampaignDerek Williams, from Norwich Cycling Campaign (Image: THOMAS WOODS)

Derek Williams, Norwich Cycling Campaign spokesman, said: "The route is likely to be used by more cyclists than pedestrians, given the large distances involved, so a route that insists cyclists have to get off and push is not reasonable.

"The present plans are trying to force a quart of traffic into the pint pot of the Longwater junction and as a result fail to provide for vulnerable road users."

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Cycling Campaign's alternative proposals for Longwater/EastonNorwich Cycling Campaign's alternative proposals for Longwater/Easton (Image: Norwich Cycling Campaign)

The campaign group has proposed two alternatives. Both have Toucan crossings on the three arms of William Frost Way and a further two Toucan crossings on the A47 slip roads.

The first version swaps a traffic lane for a segregated cycle track and footpath, while the second features a separate cycle and pedestrian bridge parallel to the existing road bridge.

But a council spokesman said: "We believe this project will make best use of the road space, assist traffic flow and provide for pedestrians.

"Cycling is also very much a consideration and, along with National Highways, we are looking at possible alternatives."