Drivers ignoring a lengthy official diversion around a set of roadworks in Coltishall and using back roads instead caused 'chaos' yesterday according to village officials.

Drivers ignoring a lengthy official diversion around a set of roadworks in Coltishall and using back roads instead caused 'chaos' yesterday according to village officials.

A five day project to repair and resurface part of the B1150 Station Road started yesterday and immediately caused problems, said the chairman of Coltishall Parish Council.

John Harding said he welcomed the work itself, which is being carried out from approximately 40 metres south of the junction with Hautbois Road to a point just to the north of the Railway Tavern.

But problems with both inadequate signage and drivers ignoring the signs which were in place meant dangerous levels of traffic were using a cut through along Rectory Road, said Mr Harding, having an impact on the village primary school and the doctors' surgery.

'The volume of traffic and also the fact heavy goods vehicles are involved is causing significant problems,' said Mr Harding.

'It's a bit of both in terms of the signs and the drivers. I would appeal to people to think through their journey and avoid this cut through, it's causing chaos.'

One particular incident saw a lorry cause a hold-up when it tried to turn at the Westbourne Road junction, leading to a telegraph pole being struck, said Mr Harding.

The official diversion takes drivers via the B1354 Hainford, A140 Aylsham and B1145 North Walsham - a trip of around 20 miles.

Norfolk County Council spokesman John Birchall said: 'We have to divert using similar standards of roads, which is why the diversion is where it is.

'We know that sometimes people find their way through and that can lead to a lot of heavy traffic on roads that are not suitable.

'In this case we will look at the signage, but it is also worth noting that in these cases the first day is often the worst because after that a lot of people know the closure is in place and will alter their journey.'

Local businesses including High Street shops, the Railway Tavern and car business Jordans will be accessible through the week.