We agree to underwrite the funds for Great Yarmouth's third crossing.

That is the message this morning from Norfolk County Council's Environment, Development and Transport Committee.

The committee has agreed that the council should underwrite the local contribution for the £120m scheme, which could see work start in 2020.

As part of the bridge plans it is recommended that 20pc - or around £24m - would come from local sources.

David Allfrey, a senior council transport officer, told the committee everyone needs to make as much noise as possible about the scheme.

'I think it would help if as many people as possible could make as much noise as possible about how important this scheme is.'

Graham Plant, county councillor for Gorleston St Andrews ward, said it had been a cross party effort.

'This will create jobs and a lot of revenue for the county and well as for the town.

'As far as infrastructure goes, this has been needed for so long.'

He said that there would be a group of officials who would travel to London to lobby ministers in support of the scheme.

He added: 'It is really important that we have a big contingent when we do go down.'

Coleen Walker, county councillor for Magdalen ward in Gorleston, said: 'This has been a long time coming. This is a life line for Great Yarmouth and the rest of Norfolk to ease the traffic and bring more jobs.'

Plans could get the green light from the Department for Transport by the summer, and are set to be discussed by the county council's Economic Development and Transport Committee this morning.

The proposals are for a lifting bridge over the River Yare to connect the A47 at the Harfreys Roundabout, to the port and South Denes.

The committee also discussed allocating £6,000 to local members for highway work.

Visit our website later today for more major updates on the crossing project.