Fans planning to travel by train to the East Anglia derby against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday 6th April will be impacted by a limited service due to industrial action.

The 10.50am Ipswich to Norwich service, an additional train laid on for the match, which kicks-off at 12.30pm, will be the last ahead of the game with the 11.06am cancelled due to drivers not working overtime.

The reduced rail service is likely to have a knock-on effect on the roads into Norfolk.

Supporters travelling from London and Essex will also be hit by engineering work which means replacement bus services will be operating on the day of the game.

Meanwhile, Norfolk Police have issued a statement on their plans ahead of the match, the first between the sides at Carrow Road since 2019.

A statement reads: “Football supporters, residents, and people travelling to Norwich for any other purpose that day are being reminded to plan their travel in advance.

“Supporters should plan to arrive at the stadium earlier than normal to ease congestion while entering the stadium, ahead of the kick-off at 12.30pm.

“Police officers will be signposting ITFC supporters from coach parks and fans who have travelled to Norwich by train out of the railway station via a side entrance and on to Lower Clarence Road, all the way along Clarence Road and then on to Carrow Rd and safely to the stadium in Carrow Road to take their seats in the away section. Ipswich supporters will be signposted back to the railway station taking the same route.

“It may be necessary for police to close roads for a short periods of time before and after the match, depending on crowd numbers, to allow fans to walk safely to and from the stadium. The usual road closures will also be in place around Carrow Road before and after the match.”

Superintendent Kris Barnard is overseeing the policing operation and added: “This is a great local derby between two family friendly clubs and although we understand there is a healthy rivalry between both sets of supporters, we ask every supporter to enjoy the match and the occasion in the right spirit.

“There will be a significant number of policing resources and officers in the city centre before and after the match to keep people safe, welcome fans and assist anybody who needs us.

“We want to ensure people can enjoy the uniquely special atmosphere of derby day and keep people safe – there’ll be lots of officers around the stadium so if you’re unsure about something or need our help, please come over and say hello.

“Our focus will be those people whose behaviour spoils the enjoyment or the safety of others, and also managing any issues in areas where we have seen disorder and antisocial behaviour at other matches.”

Town, who drew 2-2 with the Canaries at Portman Road earlier in the season, have an allocation of 2,022 tickets for the match in which they will be hoping to taste derby glory for the first time in 15 years.

Photo: Matchday Images

kwakaboy added 14:01 - Mar 28 Pure greed from the most left wing union in the country ! Just a political move by this lot who pull levers and get £70k a year - still not enough!
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Edmundo added 17:04 - Mar 28 You'd think they got the message after over 12 months. Teachers and healthcare workers far bigger priority for raises to bring them in line after 13 years of govt neglect, mismanagement of funds and pandemic chaos.
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Westy added 17:26 - Mar 28 The irony is that they are so well paid which is why they can afford to strike and lose income.
4

HatStand added 18:47 - Mar 28 Doesn't mention return trains?
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bobble added 01:08 - Mar 29 support the unions otherwise the dictator government/business cronies will have you all slaving............why shouldnt rail workers be well paid ? why is it ok for lawyers or managers or bankers to be well paid but not rail workers ? no wonder the britain is being driven into the dirt by the powers in charge with comments like some of these on here...
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Northstandveteran added 07:01 - Mar 29 I think train drivers deserve every penny. You try keeping a massive train balanced on two tracks! And those on the underground have to do it in the dark!
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kwakaboy added 07:13 - Mar 29 Not even this strike will stop the Blue Army marching on Norwich. Perhaps the rail ‘ workers ‘ should pick an event that affects more people trying to earn a living - and then blame the government for not giving in to them. COYB !
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Bazza8564 added 09:35 - Mar 29 Bobble strikes again. The railways are privately owned what in Gods name has this got to do with "those in charge"?
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CaseyJones added 12:21 - Mar 29 If I was lucky enough to have a ticket I would be getting a few fans together chipping in £50 , hiring a private coach and parking up outside Carrot rd with a coach full of ale at 8 am . No train strike worries , no worries about that shower not letting us have a few beers before the game even they get there own juicer when at Portman road .
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