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Bus company forced to suspend services due to 'serious' roadwork congestion

Konectbus has suspended services to Dereham due to roadworks causing heavy congestion <i>(Image: Harry Clarke/Newsquest)</i>
Konectbus has suspended services to Dereham due to roadworks causing heavy congestion (Image: Harry Clarke/Newsquest)

A bus company in Norfolk has said it has been forced to suspend some of its services due to "serious" congestion caused by roadworks.

Konectbus issued the statement on Twitter this morning, saying buses to Dereham, Route 12, will be halted until "further notice."

Roadworks on Yaxham Road, a main route into town, have caused heavy congestion in the area with the project expected to continue until April 21.

Eastern Daily Press: Temporary traffic lights on Yaxham Road
Eastern Daily Press: Temporary traffic lights on Yaxham Road

Temporary traffic lights on Yaxham Road (Image: Harry Clarke)

Konectbus said: "Services to Dereham are suspended until further notice due to serious traffic congestion, with the continued roadworks and temporary traffic lights having a knock-on effect."

People and businesses in Dereham are facing a month of traffic disruption due to the pavement reconstruction works. 

It means vehicles will not be able to travel from the town centre towards the A47.

Norfolk County Council said the pavement on the north side of Yaxham Road between Greens and Station roads had to be rebuilt, but concerns have been raised over the impact of the works, which will run over the busy Easter period.

Eastern Daily Press: Paul Sandford worries about the impact the roadworks are having on his trade
Eastern Daily Press: Paul Sandford worries about the impact the roadworks are having on his trade

Paul Sandford worries about the impact the roadworks are having on his trade (Image: Archant)

Paul Sandford, the landlord of the Railway Tavern in Yaxham Road, said: “Easter is our busiest weekend of the year. It will be an absolute nightmare but it’s one of those things you can’t do anything about."

Earlier this week, Mr Sandford said the pub could be forced to close due to the financial impact of the roadworks which have devastated trade.

He hopes to get business owners together in Dereham to call for more direct action over the works.

The project started on March 21 and is due to last for five weeks.

A county council spokesman said: “While these works are necessary, as the existing footway has reached the end of its serviceable life and requires reconstruction, we do regret the unavoidable impact on residents and highways users in the area."