A centuries-old milestone that had lain forgotten for generations was the centrepiece of a ceremony to mark completion of the �1.5m roundabout at Pulham Market.

A centuries-old milestone that had lain forgotten

for generations was the centrepiece of a ceremony to mark completion of the �1.5m roundabout at Pulham Market.

Now restored to pristine condition, it was discovered hidden among bushes and trees on the western side of the road during construction of the new roundabout, which has removed a notorious accident site on the A140 Norwich to Ipswich Road.

Carol Haines, of Taverham, a co-founder of national organisation The Milestone Society, said the former Roman road became an important "turnpike" used by stagecoaches in 1769, and the waymarker would have been installed during that era.

"It is an old milestone and they are disappearing fast. Metal ones get stolen and sold on eBay, and others are hit and damaged, mainly by mowers

or lorries, and get taken away," she said.

"There are still 8,000 left in Britain, and about 320 in Norfolk, and the

one at Pulham Market has been beautifully restored. It's great!"

Norfolk County Council chairman, Wyndham Northam, conducted the ceremony on Friday at the spot where he launched the start of works in September last year.

He said the project had been carried out during one of the coldest winters for many years. It hadn't been easy, but nothing could shake the determination of the council and

the workforce and it had been completed on time.

Councillor Adrian Gunson, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "People are already telling us how much they appreciate the new roundabout. It has made a huge difference to motorists who have had to cross or join the A140 on a daily basis.

"This roundabout removes an accident site we inherited when

the county council took over responsibility for the A140 in 2001. We have now been given funding to tackle another longstanding issue - the troublesome concrete surface on the Scole bypass.

"Reconstruction of the dual carriage surface will end the frustrating round of lane closures and repairs; this will be starting later in 2009/10."

Mr Gunson also spoke of the county council's commitment to a long-awaited bypass at Long Stratton.

"Of course, the real prize on the

A140 would be a Long Stratton bypass, and we will continue to look for innovative ways of securing funding," he added.