There was nothing in the budget to rank alongside George Osborne's 2010 comprehensive spending review announcement that the A11 would finally be dualled.

The government's intention to look at opportunities to encourage more private investment in the UK's road network had been trialled well in advance.

And Graham Plant, cabinet member for planning and transportation at Norfolk County Council had previously said he was dubious that would benefit Norfolk.

There was also disappointment that, while Mr Osborne announced Network Rail would be given �130m for rail improvements in the north of England, there was no announcement for money to improve rail in the east.

Chloe Smith, Norwich North MP, who has spearheaded calls for improvements, said: 'The campaign will certainly continue. We are working with the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership and are busy behind the scenes.'

And Andrew Bell, chief executive of Norwich International Airport says he was disappointed, but not surprised that the chancellor had ruled out scrapping planned air tax rises.