Norfolk County Council vote to open up part of King's Lynn bus route

Norfolk County Council is opening up part of a restricted Lynn road despite objections from nearly 90 residents.

Hardings Way, in Lynn, is currently only open to buses, cyclists and pedestrians, but county councillors have voted to open up a 125 metre section to allow cars to pass through.

Members of Norfolk County Council’s environment, development,and transport committee (EDT) voted to open up this section of road at a meeting in County Hall on Friday.

Last year, West Norfolk Council secured planning permission for three new access roads on Hardings Way, to serve new housing developments on both the southern and northern side.

Nearly 90 community members objected the decision to open up this stretch of Hardings Way, saying it could pose a risk to families and disabled residents making their way into town.

County councillor Alexandra Kemp said: “The community is carefully considering its next options as it is so shocked and devastated by the lack of the county council’s concern for good infrastructure like Hardings Way.

“This decision will lead to more congestion in the town as more families will drive children to school if traffic is allowed onto Hardings Way.

“Visually and mobility impaired residents and disabled parents with children may no longer be able to use Hardings Way to take children or grandchildren to school or to go into town as they do now without asking a carer to come with them.

“We should be opening up more traffic-free routes into town, not placing traffic on them. This is a safe space that Norfolk County Councl has just made less safe.”

West Norfolk Council’s cabinet member for corporate projects and assets, Alistair Beales said: “This 125 metre stretch will clearly not allow cars to travel through all of Hardings Way.

“It is to unlock sites to access routes to new housing developments and businesses, as well as some existing (ones).

“There has been some temporary access on this route but this makes for permanent access.

“It is a win for taxpayers because it is maintaining better services and supporting local public services.”

A spokesman from Norfolk County Council said they cannot confirm a timescale for this alteration, but are currently in talks with West Norfolk Council.