Protestors gather at County Hall over controversial Western Link Road
They're calling for the road to be scrapped
Last updated 7th Mar 2022
Protestors have gathered at Norfolk County Hall this morning to raise concerns about the controversial Norwich Western Link Road plans.
The campaigners from Norwich Extinction Rebellion say proposals to slightly adjust the route of the road, which would connect the NDR with the A47, will not protect a colony of bats found nearby.
It also says plans for the road would see ancient woodland and rare chalk stream habitats destroyed.
Norfolk County Council wants to build the £198m Western Link of the Norwich Northern Distributor Road across the Wensum Valley, from the A1067 Fakenham Road to the A47 near Honingham.
The authority has previously said the road would be massively beneficial to local people.
Councillor Martin Wilby, cabinet member for highways, infrastructure and transport, said: “There is strong support for the western link, as it will reduce journey times and emergency service response times, cut rat running through communities and boost our economy.
“We follow a very thorough process with major infrastructure projects and detailed ecological surveys, conducted by accredited experts, are part of this.
“In the light of the evidence gathered through our surveys, we are working with our contractors, Ferrovial and WSP, to refine the route.
“We have always said we would deliver the project in an environmentally responsible way and this is further evidence of that commitment.
“It’s important that we get this right and provide the best possible road for Norfolk. We intend to provide more detail in June.”