Villagers in Long Stratton have long insisted that the heavy traffic on the A140 from Norwich to Ipswich should be diverted.

Now Norfolk County Council has given the bypass priority in its local transport plan.

Work on the new road should start in the spring of 2006.

Villagers took protests to the streets in 1996

Villagers told BBC Look East they were confident the bypass would now be built.

"We're on the last straight, provided the money comes through," said one.

Another told the BBC why the road was so necessary.

"Luckily I live away from the street, but coming along lorries are too close and there's too much traffic."

Norfolk County Council is now planning to put five alternative road schemes out to consultation before work begins.