Roundabout redesign blamed for 'flood' at garage

Matthew Moore said he had complained to Norfolk Highways about the issue

A garage owner whose business is near a reconfigured roundabout has claimed the new layout causes his yard to flood during heavy rain.

Matthew Moore believes new zebra crossings next to the Heartsease roundabout in Norwich channel water on to the property, which he said had not happened before the project opened in May.

"I think it highlights the absolute joke this project has been - £4.4m and they can't even get the drainage right," said Mr Moore, of Number One Motor Company.

A Norfolk County Council spokesman said: “We have not been made aware of this issue and do not presently believe it is linked to construction of the roundabout but will be happy to investigate further."

Matthew Moore filmed water running into his yard during recent rain

The roundabout has zebra crossings on all five exits, with Mr Moore convinced the crossings on Plumstead Lane and Heartsease Lane are to blame.

He said water ran off them and towards his business, where it then accumulated on his gravel yard and seeped into a store.

"At the bottom of my yard it got to two inches (6cm) and into one of my storage units - luckily where we just keep tyres," said Mr Moore, whose family has run the business for 20 years.

"I've no problem with the roundabout - our problem is drainage and the standing water."

The garage has entrances near the crossings on Heartsease Lane (pictured) and Plumstead Road

He said he had contacted Norfolk Highways, which told him it would send an officer to look at the problem.

"I'm very concerned, especially for our storage unit because we're worried about the foundations, and it could go into my neighbour's garden," he said.

Previous concerns have been raised about the roundabout, redesigned to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People said the positioning of the zebra crossings was "incredibly dangerous".

In August, the Plumstead Road junction was closed for alterations after a safety audit highlighted a series of issues.