Fresh hope has been given to residents of Overstrand Road, Cromer that parking restrictions could soon be introduced, following months of traffic congestion.

Lack of funding has previously held up any work on the road but Norfolk County Council said that a review of waiting restrictions could be paid for as part of the medical centre development on Mill Road.

The new fit-for-purpose medical centre will replace the nearby practice in Overstrand Road and is expected to open next March.

Further calls to introduce parking restrictions on Overstrand Road were made after an accident involving a lorry and a car earlier this week caused traffic chaos.

Cromer town councillor Yvonne Nolan said: 'The trouble is that people park on either side of the road. If a lorry or an emergency vehicle comes along, it's sheer chaos.'

A Norfolk County Council spokesman said: 'We know there can be pressures caused by parking on Overstrand Road, particularly over the summer months and during events in the town, however due to the cost we have not been able to fund any measures to alleviate the problem.

'It's early days yet but we are hopeful that a review of local waiting restrictions could now be funded as part of the medical centre development on Mill Road.

'This review could allow us to develop plans for parking restrictions along Overstrand Road. We would consult locally to allow people's views to be taken into account before any plans were put in place.'

Audrey Smith, who lives on the road, said: 'The parking and traffic problems persist because of the narrowness of the road. 'Residents have for some time been campaigning for parking restrictions to be introduced.'

The new GP surgery and pharmacy will share the Mill Road site with Cromer Football Club and form part of a community healthcare hub with nearby Cromer Hospital, which sits on the opposite side of the road. It will include more than 60 car parking spaces, with more than half set aside for free parking for patients.

Additional parking restrictions will be in place on Overstrand Road during Carnival Week.