People are stumped as more and more random teacups appear on A47 roundabout

Teacups and even a teapot have sprung up on a roundabout in Gorleston bewildering locals who have also reported plates in other locations Picture: Jason Paving and Landscape (Image: Archant)

Some regard the mystery appearance of teacups on the traffic calming circle close to Gorleston’s James Paget University Hospital as a hindrance or distraction likely to attract vandals.

Whereas for others it is “a bit of fun” started by someone with a good sense of humour looking to create something “pretty cool”.

But, whatever the reason for the unofficial display, Highways England has declared it has to go.

According to varying reports a single mug or teacup sat on its own for some time, but has been added to in the last few weeks.

A teapot has now appeared and there have been sightings of plates at another nearby roundabout.

No-one is sure if one person is behind the explosion of china or if others have decided to join in.

Locals have been quick to draw inspiration from the unusual installation renaming it Mad Hatter’s Roundabout and Mug Island.

“Is this anywhere near a T-junction?’ one person quipped.

One woman who lives nearby said: “It started with two that sat there for a couple of weeks and then in the last week the pile just grew.

“Must be about 20 now that appeared in five days.”

She added: “I think it is a bit of fun and certainly makes the roundabout more interesting as there is no planting.

“However, I can see that people crossing to put them on there is a hazard.”

A Highways England spokesperson said: “We’re as puzzled as everyone else about the mysterious appearance of the tea cups on the A47 Gorleston roundabout.

“However, placing the tea cups on a busy roundabout is dangerous; not just for the perpetrator but also for the drivers using the roundabout and our on-road teams who have to remove them.”