Those in shadow of new third river crossing in Great Yarmouth have doubt cast on futures

Residents near the location of the proposed third river crossing in Great Yarmouth have faced years of uncertainty over their futures. Photo: George Ryan (Image: Archant)

Since 2010 a total of 17 properties in the Southtown area of Great Yarmouth have been acquired by Norfolk County Council.

Some of these were compulsory purchases under the Blight Notice Act and affect homes in Southtown Road, Queen Anne's Road and Cromwell Road.

The county council has not ruled out buying up more properties as part of its plans.

A decision on whether the government will fund the bridge, which would connect the South Denes area of Great Yarmouth to the A47 at the Harfreys Roundabout, is imminent.

Views of a possible location for a Yarmouth third crossing. Picture: Nick Butcher (Image: Archant © 2017)

Dawn Potter, 56, who lives in Queen Anne's Road with her 16-year-old son said there were so many stories flying around it was heard to know what was true.

She added: 'It's a little bit worrying. I've decorated a little bit but I don't know whether to pay money on the house.'

Ms Potter, a housing association tenant, said she tries to keep positive, but it was hard to.

'I think 'where are they going to put me' and 'do they need to rehouse me?' Sometimes it gets to me and I get a bit low.'

Residents near the location of the proposed third river crossing in Great Yarmouth have faced years of uncertainty over their futures. Photo: George Ryan (Image: Archant)

Mother of two Anne Jones, 45, has rented her home from a housing association for six years.

She said she had previously asked officials what the exact route was, because it looked like it went right through the house where she lives adding: 'I'll be sorry to lose my home.'

Julie Moser, 33, said she would like to know what the council is going to do to rehouse her.

She added: 'There are six kids here and about 30 others along here that will need to be rehomed. Where can they house us all?'

Matt Clark, 35, who rents the home he lives at with his family said he might be eligible for a relocation fee, which could be good news for them.

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said until the design is completed, she could not say how many landowners or properties in total will be affected or compensated.

She added: 'Following this consultation, we will carefully review and consider all responses received and use them to help develop the scheme.

'There will be a further opportunity to comment on the detailed scheme proposals before the county council submit an application for planning consent.'

Consultation times

You can have a look at the plans, and speak to county council officers about the plans at various places this month.

Proposals have been on show at the Imperial Hotel in North Drive, Great Yarmouth this week, with the last session today from 10am-9pm.

Next week plans will be at Great Yarmouth Library in Tolhouse Street, Great Yarmouth. Monday, noon-5pm; Tuesday, 9am-5pm; Wednesday, 9am-7.30pm; Thursday, 9am-5pm; Friday, 9am-5pm; Saturday, 9am-4:30pm (staffed 10am-4.30pm).

• W/c September 18, Gorleston Library, Lowestoft Road, Gorleston. Monday, noon-5pm; Tuesday, 9.30am-8pm (staffed 2-8pm); Wednesday, 9.30am-5pm; Thursday, 9.30am-8pm; Friday, 9.30am-5pm; Saturday, 9.30am-4pm.

• W/c, September 25, Kings Centre, Queen Annes Road, Southtown. Tuesday, noon-5pm; Wednesday, 10am-5pm; Thursday, 10am-8pm (staffed 2-8pm); Friday, 10am-5pm.