Work to make £4.4m worth of controversial changes to Heartsease roundabout began earlier this week, bringing road closures and delays until April next year.

Businesses in the area have argued the project could put off customers as they accuse officials at Norfolk County Council of “letting us down” by not providing more support. 

Works on the Heartsease roundabout began earlier this week (Image: Denise Bradley)

“We completely understand the work has to be done,” said a staff member – who has asked to remain anonymous – at Plumstead Road East business Dreams Bridal.

“But we have asked for signs to go up that tell customers that we are still open.

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“Some people might get to the roundabout and turn around because they think we are closed and they can’t access us. 

“It is so misleading and the council is not helping businesses at all.”

Dreams Bridal (Image: Dreams Bridal)

Despite coming under fire from both local businesses and members of the opposition, the council has defended the length of time it will take to complete the works.

Graham Plant, the council’s cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said the works are “significant in their scope and there is limited road space in which to operate during the construction phase”.

He also added that every effort will be made to complete the works as soon as possible. 

“I would invite councillor Plant to come and spend a day with us,” added the Dreams Bridal staff member.

“That way he can see what we are up against.

Cllr Graham Plant (Image: Newsquest)

“We’re in a specialised industry and people need to come in and try things on.

“We’re also an independent sole trader.

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“We don’t have any other branches we can rely on.”

In response, Mr Plant confirmed the council has now placed “business open as usual” signs on all approaches to the roundabout.

The work will take eight months to complete (Image: Denise Bradley)

“We understand how frustrating disruption caused by roadworks can be,” he added. 

“We will continue to listen to any concerns being raised and work with our contractor, Tarmac, to help in any way we can.

“Work to the roundabout is vital to improve its currently poor safety record.”