Traffic congestion threatens the future of Diss

The boss of one of Diss’ largest employers says businesses will leave the town unless the town's traffic congestion problems are solved.

Simon Innes, chief executive of CVS (UK) Ltd, which employs 170 people at its group headquarters in Owen Road, made his comments after Norfolk County Council announced it is carrying out a new survey on traffic congestion along A1066, following a recent meeting with county, district and town councillors and businesses.

The county council says it is now working on a Diss Improvement Network strategy.

But Mr Innes however says he and other companies have 'no confidence' it will lead to changes.

“We have been in Diss for 15 years and the traffic now is just horrendous,” said Mr Innes.

“Another survey is just a delaying tactic; a waste of money, a waste of time. It is blatantly obvious that there is a massive traffic problem.

“I have lost count of the number of local authority people who have stood up and presented what they could possibly do as an individual.

"But there is no joined-up thinking, there is no leadership, there is no drive, there is no intention.

"The conclusion is always to do another survey.”

The county council is using number plate recognition to assess through-traffic and carry out counts at four junctions with the A1066 at Sawmills Road, Vinces Road, Morrison’s and Denmark Street roundabouts.

It says the improvement network strategy will complete by the end of the year.

Mr Innes’ comments were backed by other businesses, including bf1 Systems Ltd, in Owen Road, and Larking Gowen accountants, in Gilray Road.

Mr Innes said: “We have no confidence that anything is going to happen apart from a survey.

“I employ a lot of people who live in Diss and, for the health of the town, if you lose a major employer, you have got a problem.”

“It is just inertia and, quite frankly, if they don’t sort out this problem, companies will leave.

“If this isn’t sorted out, and quickly, you are going to find that Vinces Road is going to be empty – because there will be nobody there."

For the full story, with views from other local businesses, councillors and South Norfolk MP, Richard Bacon, see this week's Diss Express