Villagers frustrated over Caister's 650 new homes roadworks

Ahead of the scheduled development of the new housing estate on land at Nova Scotia Farm, Persimmon Homes has been carrying out alterations to the Ormesby Road carriageway as part of off-site traffic calming measures for the new estate.

Where the homes will be built in Caister. Picture - Google (Image: Google)Work on new pedestrian islands, changes to pavement widths and a new roundabout have all been started on the road, with work expected to continue until March.

The roundabout on Ormesby Road and Webster Way was installed last Friday.

People have criticised the layout as the pavement was extended into the middle of the old carriageway layout - creating a kink in the road, rather than a circle.

Persimmon Homes has defended the design.

A Persimmon spokesperson said: “Work to create a mini roundabout in Ormesby Road is ongoing, with plans to raise the centre of the roundabout by 100mm in the final works. This requires a full road closure and that is scheduled for the week commencing March 11.

“These works will deter motorists from driving straight over the roundabout.

“Permanent signage for the mini roundabout is also due to be installed, and when this is complete the temporary signs will be removed.”

The approved Ormesby Road roundabout design. Picture - GYBC/Richard Jackson Engineering Consultants (Image: GYBC/Richard Jackson Engineering Consultants)

People living near the new roundabout described the ongoing works as "a nightmare".

"It's ridiculous putting a roundabout there," said Stacey Edmonds.

"It looks like a death trap.

"Residents [on Mountbatten Way] are fed up with it. It's a risk just to get round the corner."

Stacey Edmonds did not approve of the work being done on Ormesby Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Neighbour Peter James said the roundabout design is dangerous.

"It's awkward as the corner is so sharp," he said. "If someone caught the curb, it could cause a lot of issues.

"I don't see the sense in it. It didn't need to be done. It would be better spending the money on potholes."

Ongoing alterations being made on Ormesby Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)One neighbour on Ormesby Road said the works hadn’t bothered him in the slightest.

Caister Parish Council chairman Kevin Wood said he was disappointed the parish council had not been included in discussions before the roadworks took place.

Caister Parish Council chairman Kevin Wood. (Image: Newsquest)"We would have liked to have had some input or even have been informed before the work was started," said Mr Wood. 

"Nobody ever spoke to us about any of that.

"But that's how things are nowadays."
A new traffic island installed outside The Centurion on Ormesby Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)