Improvements to the sea defences at Cromer will protect the town for years to come.

Councillor Tom Fitzpatrick, Leader of North Norfolk District Council, made the statement as work on the £8 million coastal protection scheme nears completion.

He has warned of disruption ahead as the final stage of the project is set to get underway on Monday.

Letters outlining access and parking arrangements have been given to residents, and copied to traders, RNLI, fishermen and the emergency services.

The surface removal will start on the east end by the Gangway and work westwards to finish at the Melbourne Slope. A parking area on the lower portion of the Gangway will be allocated for residents' parking only and will only apply to the time when the promenade is being resurfaced and closed to all traffic.

The works could be finished by the end of March but, with poor weather forecast, it is not expected to reopen until April.

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: 'This vital project will help protect Cromer for years to come. We're in the final phase and we have worked hard to minimise the impact on residents and businesses while ensuring the town can benefit from the Coast Protection Scheme when the summer season arrives.'