A town centre road is to stay closed for its third week, causing further disruption to locals.

Hempstead Road in Holt is to remain closed as emergency roadworks are carried out.

The works, which are being carried out by Cadent Gas Works, began on March 4 and have continued to be extended.

READ MORE: Trainspotter died after heart attack behind the wheel on way home from rail gala

The closure covers the area from the junction with the A148 Holt bypass until the junction with Old Station Way.

Norfolk County Council has extended permission for the closure until March 22 but is open to further extensions.

An official 14-mile diversion route has been put in place while the works continue.

A spokesman for Cadent said: “Emergency works are taking place to repair a gas pipe under Hempstead Road in Holt, following reports of a smell of gas that came in from a member of the public on 3 March. 

“This particular job has proven to be quite a challenge for our engineers due to a number of small escapes that need to be repaired before the road can be refilled. 

“I’m happy to say though, that we are coming to the end of these repairs and are confident that we will be able to reinstate the road and have it reopened very soon. 

“We’d like to thank residents for their understanding and patience as these repairs are completed.

"We would also like to remind everyone that if they ever suspect a gas leak then they should call the Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999* as it may not be related to this incident."