Accident fears over city zip wire vision, despite ‘brilliant’ public reaction

Ben Price, Green Party councillor, has set his sights on installing a 20m high zip wire from the top of Mousehold Heath into the city.

He said he hopes the council will support the zip wire and said: "If there's demand for it, why would they say no?"

A poll, asking people what they thought of the idea, saw 72pc of respondents backing the scheme, while 23pc said they were against a zip wire, and 5pc were unsure.

Some commenters were thrilled at the prospect, with Tim Gyton declaring: "Sign me up right now."

The zip wire could end at Cow Tower, on the River Wensum. Photo: Adam Lee Wicks (Image: (c) copyright newzulu.com)

Katie Taylor added: "This should put Norwich on the thrill-seekers' map."

While Tom Stone asked: "This is a serious idea? Nice one."

And Pauline Lee said: "Brilliant - that's for me."

READ MORE: Zip wire vision could see thrill-seekers soar into city from Mousehold Heath

A city councillor dreams of instaling a sixty-foot zip wire from Mousehold Heath into the heart of Norwich. Pictured, Mousehold Heath and Zip World Zip Safari in Wales (inset). Photos: Ruth Tyrell/Zip Safari (Image: Archant)

However, one person who commented had their doubts about the project's viability. They said: "This stupid idea will go the same way as the gondoliers that were supposed to ply their trade on the Wensum a few years back."

While another commenter said: "Just what Norwich does not need. A bunch of Boris Johnson imitators hanging over the slopes of Thorpe Hamlet."

A third said: "I'm sure the people living under its path will be thrilled too."

And David Harper said: "One problem would be how many traffic accidents would it cause as it would cross a busy road near Kett's Hill roundabout.

"Drivers would be looking up at people zooming through the sky above and not watching the road."

Andy Innes said: "The biggest problem with this idea is that there is a prison in the way.

"They will never get permission to traverse over the prison for security reasons."

READ MORE: Zip wire vision could see thrill-seekers soar into city from Mousehold Heath

Other commenters had mixed views on the suggestion.

One called the project an "interesting idea" and said: "Often think the river is rather under-used as a tourist attraction.

"Given the popularity of the cathedral for a helter-skelter, something like this at least during summer holidays could be a goer."

And John Paige added: "How do you get back is my thoughts."

While Susan Waterfield said: "[Councillors] seem to forget that our cities are shared places, not their own private playground."

What do you think of the idea? Email jessica.frank-keyes@archant.co.uk