Time is running out to meet the funding target for a long-awaited roundabout on a busy stretch of road close to Cromer.

Campaigners are appealing to local businesses to help fill a £107,000 shortfall towards the planned improvements at the Felbrigg turn on the A148 Holt Road.

However, it is feared the £552,000 scheme could stall unless the money is in place by March.

Now the Steps to Safety group, which has been campaigning for the roundabout for the last eight years is planing to approach businesses in a bid to plug the gap.

Steps to Safety Campaign chairman and district councillor for Roughton and Felbrigg Sue Arnold said: 'It is a tight window of opportunity. The funding needs to be in place by March or the investment could go elsewhere. That needs to be addressed or all our hard work will have been wasted.

'The road is very congested and if you are running a business nearby it is very difficult.

She added: 'A survey we carried out of local companies show they are wholeheartedly behind the roundabout, so hopefully a number may consider it appropriate to make a contribution.

'For the many businesses, and these of course include our many tourist based organisations, plus the emergency vehicles, the frustrations and dangers are well known.

'We want our businesses to grow and our tourist industry to flourish. The installation of this roundabout would be a tremendous asset to north Norfolk.'

Norfolk County Council has pledged to meet half the estimated cost of the scheme. The authority agreed to support the road scheme at the end of last year and it is also seeking additional sources of funding.

An extra £20,400 has been added to the funding pot by North Norfolk District Council, with further contributions promised by Cromer Town Council and East and West Runton, Felbrigg, Aylmerton and Roughton parish councils.

'We are delighted the county council has accepted the need for a roundabout at this dangerous and frustrating junction,' said Mrs Arnold.

'Money is very tight, but we do feel this scheme is of high importance. If the Cromer crematorium goes ahead there cannot be any doubt that will exacerbate the problem.'

Mrs Arnold said it would be a compact roundabout, similar to one in Sheringham, removing the need for road lighting. The financial shortfall has been reduced from £226,000 as a result of road resurfacing not being considered necessary for some years following the installation of the roundabout.