A Norwich road will be shut for eight weeks as part of a £10.3m project to prevent flooding in and around the city.

Oak Lane, in Old Catton, will be shut next month because of work in nearby Catton Park.

That work will involve the installation of a bank of aquacells - similar to milk crates - which will be used as an overflow storage and soakaway system to increase capacity for storm water

The scheme has been designed to help tackle flooding to nearby roads and homes by creating a water storage area for when the drainage system is working at full capacity.

While Oak Lane is closed, a signed diversion route will be in place on Chartwell Road, Spixworth Road and Oak Lane.

Vehicle and pedestrian access for residents on Oak Lane will be maintained, but Norfolk County Council said it was inevitable access to some properties may be restricted at times.

The council said further information on precise dates will be provided to people living nearby a few days before the work starts.

A spokesman said: 'The county council appreciates the inconvenience this may cause but this work is essential to minimise localised flooding issues in the area.

'The county council thanks people for their patience while this drainage improvement work is carried out.'

The work is part of an overall £10.3m project by Norfolk County Council to provide new drainage systems to improve surface water management in and around Norwich.

The improvements are designed to deal with the type of flooding that could be expected on average every 10 years, such as that which affected homes and businesses between May and August 2014 and led to 80 properties being flooded, some on a number of occasions.

The council has invested £1.2m and successfully bid for £9.1m from the Department for Transport to fund the improvement work, which is due to be completed by March next year.

Work has already been done in areas such as Taverham, Drayton, Thorpe St Andrew and Sprowston.