Shock plans to close a key route into a Norfolk town for 14 weeks have been branded "comical" after locals realised it would block HGVs from entering the town.

County Hall is coming under fire for not speaking with people in King's Lynn before announcing that Grimston Road is to close for four months in just two weeks time.

Many people only found out about the plans due to a Facebook post by Lynx Bus - the main operator in the region.

It prompted fears they would be unable to get to work due to traffic jams and changes to bus services.

The road is the main route for lorries to enter and leave the town and port to the north and other alternative roads have weight restrictions on them, which would prevent larger HGVs from passing through.

People also worry it will cause difficulties for emergency vehicles trying to reach the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. 

An abnormal load travelling along Grimston Road near King's LynnAn abnormal load travelling along Grimston Road near King's Lynn (Image: Newsquest)

Adding further embarrassment, a 60m wind turbine is due to pass along the road during its transportation from Lynn to Norwich despite the planned closure next month.

Locals have even pointed out that the lorry which supplies the town's McDonald's stores will also be blocked.

It has prompted calls for a rethink to minimise disruption and it is understood officers at Norfolk County Council are working on alternatives.

Simon Ring, deputy leader of West Norfolk CouncilSimon Ring, deputy leader of West Norfolk Council (Image: KLWNBC)

Simon Ring, deputy leader of West Norfolk Council, says NCC failed to consult with the local authority about the road closure and that they only found out about it after the Lynx Bus Facebook post.

"It is comical, frankly and demonstrates how a lack of communication can lead to the wrong decision.

"This all could have been avoided if we had been spoken to.

"You can't make it up. The closure as it stands would be a complete disaster."

Grimston Road (A148) is one of the key routes into King's Lynn and is used by HGVs to reach the portGrimston Road (A148) is one of the key routes into King's Lynn and is used by HGVs to reach the port (Image: Google)

The A148 is a "main artery" into Norfolk's second-biggest metropolitan area and is used by thousands of drivers every day, including lorries transporting goods to and from the port.

The roadworks are to build a new roundabout as part of a 650-home Knight's Hill development to the north-east of King's Lynn being delivered by Barratt Homes - a scheme that has caused years of controversy and even led to a public inquiry.

Mr Ring wonders if the development would have been approved if it was known it would be necessary to close the road completely.

Rob Colwell, county councillor for GaywoodRob Colwell, county councillor for Gaywood (Image: Rob Colwell)

Rob Colwell, Liberal Democrat county councillor for Gaywood, said the gaffe is "yet another example" of Norwich-centric County Hall making decisions "without understanding the impact it will have in west Norfolk."

"It is crazy and has become a hot potato in the area - our email inboxes have been filling up with people complaining. 

"When I first found out about it I refused to believe it was true - it could bring King's Lynn to a halt."

The scheme as it stands would run between September 5 to December 13, with partial closures eastbound and full closures to take place during that time.

Following the uproar, NCC is reconsidering the works.

A spokesman said: "We are aware of the concerns about the proposals for the closure of Grimston Road in King’s Lynn related to the new housing development near Knights Hill.

"We are looking into these with our contractor and we will issue any relevant updates to the scheduled works in the coming days."