Those who work and live near the site in Magdalen Street say the issue has left them coughing and suffering with irritated eyes, with others reporting a metallic taste in their mouth.

Water is being sprayed by DSM - the contractor toppling the former 1960s shopping centre ahead of its redevelopment - to try and minimise the amount of dust being put into the air.

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Despite this, a giant cloud of dust swept through the street on Thursday afternoon.

It forced supermarket chain Roys to close for about 30 minutes while the plumes cleared.

Norwich City Council, which is leading the redevelopment project, previously said the contractor is "implementing all practical measures on site to address dust".

The site is being ripped down by Eastern Demolition and DSM Contractors (Image: Wayne Stuart)

But traders have described the water as "useless" in battling the plumes that continue to sweep through the area, leaving pavements and cars grey and people coughing.

A spokeswoman for Roys said: "The store was closed for approximately 30 minutes earlier due to a dust cloud from the demolition work.

"We were able to open shortly after it had cleared."

© Norwich Evening News