The decision to restrict the number of roadworks taking place in Norwich in the run-up to Christmas has been welcomed by a shopping centre boss. Norfolk County Council told the BBC that only emergency works by utility companies will be allowed in the city ahead of the festive period. Concerns had previously been raised about congestion in the lead-up to Christmas, and Conservative councillor Graham Plant said the authority had “planned ahead to keep the city moving”.

Rob Bradley, manager of the Castle Quarter shopping centre, was pleased with the decision and said it was “a good thing [as] the roads have been quite busy recently”.

The council usually puts a stop to non-essential roadworks for the Christmas period, but slow-moving traffic has been a regular problem in recent weeks in Norwich.

Motorists have faced long delays because of works in the city, including upgrades to the A11 Thickthorn junction.

The council said temporary traffic lights at the junction of Holt Road and the airport entrance have now been removed, with work at Marl Pitt Lane/Dereham Road and near the Harford Park and Ride due to be completed within the next week.

Additional works on routes to the city centre and within the inner ring road would be restricted, it added.

(Picture: Mapillary)