Community leaders in Hellesdon have spoken of their concerns about proposals for the city's northern bypass and are urging residents to visit a public exhibition next week.

Ahead of a planning application for the Northern Distributor Road, a series of public exhibitions are being held for residents who will be affected by the �141.5m road, which would stretch from the A47 at Postwick to the A1067 Fakenham Road.

Hellesdon Parish Council has serious concerns about traffic implications as it is proposed to close the A1067 Fakenham Road at its junction with the new distributor road.

Councillors have asked officers at Norfolk County Council to re-think their proposals which they claim will ultimately have a detrimental effect on traffic flows along the Cromer and Reepham roads into the city.

Karen Petch, chairman of Hellesdon Parish Council, said: 'We are very concerned about the closure of an 'A' road which undoubtedly will force traffic on to the Reepham Road – the main 'artery' through Hellesdon which is a category 'C' road. We told officers we are very disappointed with their design proposals and ask them to look for alternative design solutions.

'Hellesdon residents should not suffer at the expense of Taverham and Drayton residents who will acquire what is in essence a village by-pass.' Vice-chairman of the parish council Tony Adams added: 'This council totally supports the bypass through to the A47 although it is appreciated this cannot happen at the moment, however the council does not approve what is being proposed at the minute. It is absurd to close major roads and shift traffic onto a 'C' road and this parish council will fight to ensure this does not happen.' Norfolk County Council spokesman John Birchall said: 'We welcome Hellesdon's support for the bypass and are aware of their concern about local traffic impacts. Their comments, and those from others, are helping us refine the proposals before a planning application is submitted.'

The exhibition visits Hellesdon Community Centre on Tuesday, May 22, from noon to 7pm.

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