A multi-million pound transport scheme is the first in a series of improvements with the aim of regenerating Great Yarmouth.

A congested roundabout at Fullers Hill in the town is the first project to be funded from a £9m pot from the Greater Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).

It is the one of five phases of works costing £3.5m which will run up until summer 2018 to improve journeys for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in the area known as the gateway to the town.

During the vast majority of the works, all roads approaching the roundabout will remain open however they will be down to one lane so people travelling through the area should plan for longer journey times than usual, particularly at peak times.

There will be a need to close the roundabout and all approach roads overnight for five nights, these closures will take place towards the end of the works and are necessary to allow the roads to be resurfaced and repainted safely. This work has been scheduled to be carried out overnight specifically to reduce the impact on people who use these routes. No other complete road closures are planned.

Norfolk County Council will be carrying out the project.

Chairman of the Environment, Development and Transport Committee at Norfolk County Council Martin Wilby said the current Fuller's Hill roundabout was not designed to cope with the amount of traffic using it today.

He said: 'Adding an extra lane to the roundabout and creating an additional approach lane for A47-bound traffic should make a big difference and help keep things moving, which in turn will benefit local people's day-to-day lives and the town's economy.'

The latest funding comes after the announcement earlier this year that Highways England is to fund a scheme to improve the Gapton Hall, Harfreys and Vauxhall roundabouts over the coming years.

A decision is also expected on whether the government will fund the town's third river crossing by the end of the year.

Great Yarmouth Borough Council leader Graham Plant said Fullers Hill was a gateway junction and a congestion blackspot, especially during the peak season.

He added: 'Increasing its capacity will help towards improving quality of life and support the economy.'

There will be disruption at the Fullers Hill roundabout for 14 weeks from September 18. A sign near the junction warns drivers to expect long delays.

The roundabout works are the first in series planned for the area known as the gateway to the town to enhance both its appearance and journeys into the town.

Running up until summer 2018, work will also be carried out to improve the forecourt at Great Yarmouth's train station and also the route to the Market Place via The Conge.

A right hand turn will also be added to the route out of the station and the Asda supermarket, easing pressure on the Vauxhall roundabout.