WORK has started this week on parking improvements along Great Yarmouth’s seafront in an effort to help nearby residents from the blight of boy racers.

The scheme will modify the current parking arrangements in the centre of the carriageway at South Beach Parade opposite the Pleasure Beach.

It has been developed to help deal with the concerns of residents fronting the stretch of the popular seafront road suffering anti-social behaviour from the those in cars meeting in the area at night.

The proposals will see the central parking spaces rotated at right angles to allow end-on parking either side of a new central footway. This move is being made in an effort to help reduce the shining of headlights on houses.

A central footway is designed to reduce U-turns along the stretch of the seafront, making for a safer environment for Pleasure Beach visitors.

The plans have been developed from a working group set up by the police with representatives from the community, county and borough councils.

Previous actions include high levels of patrolling and enforcement leading to a number of fixed penalty notices being issued and vehicles seized.

The work is being carried out by the county council’s highways operations and will take around five weeks to complete.

Costing around �50,000, it is being funded with revenue from the on-street pay and display parking.

Traffic management required for the work will be carefully considered to minimise disruption to residents and businesses in the surrounding area.

A spokesman for Norfolk Police was hopeful that the changes would bring about a real change for those living in the area.

He said: “We welcome the work on parking improvements which will greatly improve the quality of life for residents. The majority of car enthusiasts who use the seafront are responsible and it is a minority of who cause problems.”