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Anger after town's road improvement plan stalls

Owen Sennitt
Local Democracy Reporting Service
Google South Gate in King's Lynn, with cars driving through the area. Trees are lining the road with a road sign on the left hand sideGoogle
Norfolk County Council said the project was scrapped after the price tag rose to £32m

A "once-in-a-generation" scheme to revitalise the entrance to a historic town has stalled after funding for road improvements was scrapped.

Simon Ring, deputy leader of West Norfolk Council, said he was "deeply disappointed" that improvements to King's Lynn's Southgates junction had been pulled.

He said it risked hampering efforts to enhance the area, known for its medieval gateway and which has severe traffic problems.

Norfolk County Council said the project had been scrapped after the price tag rose to £32m.

West Norfolk Council An artist's impression showing how the Southgates area of King's Lynn was due to be improved, showing the road network and homes in the townWest Norfolk Council
An artist's impression had been released showing how the Southgates area of King's Lynn was due to be improved

The decision means £10m in funding intended for west Norfolk will be returned to the Department for Transport.

Instead, a revised £19.6m scheme will go ahead to improve the one-way system around Austin Street, Blackfriars Road and Railway Road.

Ring, an Independent, said: "This decision risks stalling progress on a transformational project that is vital to the future of our town and wider community.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise the area, enhance infrastructure and deliver long-term economic and social benefits for both residents and businesses.

"We will explore every available route to deliver the Southgate Master Plan and ensure that this iconic gateway to King's Lynn receives the attention and regeneration it so clearly deserves."

This article was written by a trusted journalist and then edited for length and style with the help of AI, before being checked again by a BBC Journalist. It's part of a pilot.

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