Passing motorists are being advised to steer clear of Cromer from this weekend as major roads in the middle of town are closed for resurfacing.But traders issued a message that “the town is still open” as they urged shoppers not to be put off.

Passing motorists are being advised to steer clear of Cromer from this weekend

as major roads in the middle of town are closed for resurfacing.

But traders issued a message that “the town is still open” as they urged shoppers not to be put off.

The work will only take a few days but will have major implications for through traffic arriving from the west and drivers trying to use the one-way system.

This Sunday will see long diversions for drivers of bigger vehicles, while cars and vans will be led the wrong way down a one-way pedestrianised street at 10mph to try to keep the traffic flowing.

And the resort is braced for yet more disruption in the following few days as the work gangs tackle another stretch and mini-roundabout.

Cromer Chamber of Trade president Sue Brown stressed: “The town is still open. It might just add a few minutes to journeys but should not be as bad as people might think.”

And the timing, between the festive and holiday seasons, was perfect because the town was quite quiet, she said.

Drivers should heed diversion signs, or face the prospect of having to re-trace their steps, warned Norfolk County Council spokesman John Birchall.

The £128,000 roadworks scheme was for routine resurfacing. He apologised for any disruption caused but added: “We cannot roll the roads up and bring them back fixed.”

Sunday's closure involves Hamilton Road, with work scheduled from 8am to 4pm. It was hoped to finish it in one day, but if it was not the work might have to run into the following Sunday, February 3.

Vehicles up to 6ft 6in wide will have a local diversion down Prince of Wales Road and into the usually part-pedestrianised New Street and High Street area, to run against the usual flow, with a 10mph speed limit.

Bigger vehicles heading west to east will have to take a much longer route through Roughton and Felbrigg.

Resurfacing then switches to the West Street mini-roundabout on Monday and Tuesday, when traffic coming down the Holt Road will only be able to get as far the Morrison's store - with diversions flagged from the edge of town.

From Wednesday to Friday West Street will be closed, with a short diversion within the town in use from 7.30am to 5pm.

Mr Birchall said they had liaised with traders over delivery access. The key was for drivers to be aware of the diversions.