Pedestrianisation of Norwich city centre approved despite Alan Partridge opposition

The Steve Coogan character famously said he was "dead against" the pedestrianisation of Norwich city in a 1997 episode of I'm Alan Partridge

Steve Coogan's Alan Partridge opposed the pedestrianisation of Norwich (BBC)

The pedestrianisation of Norwich city centre - a plan famously opposed by Alan Partridge - has been given the go-ahead.

The planning scheme, referenced in a 1997 episode of classic BBC comedy I’m Alan Partridge featuring the cult Steve Coogan character, was approved by Norwich City Council's planning chiefs.

It aims to “enhance the environment" of Norwich by pedestrianising more parts of the city - including Westlegate, All Saints Street and Red Lion Street - and making Golden Ball Street two-way.

Part of a wider scheme to improve accessibility by all modes of transport around Norwich, the work is expected to start in January.

The move comes 18 years after Partridge memorably told his lover he was “dead against” the idea in an intimate scene, often referenced by fans.

In it, the broadcaster asked soon-to-be former Peartree Productions secretary Jill: “What do you think of the pedestrianisation of Norwich city centre? I’ll be honest, I’m dead against it. I mean, people forget that traders need access to Dixons.

“They do say it’ll help people in wheelchairs.”