But officials have bucked the trend in one part of the county by reopening a traditional route.

Before drivers start celebrating, however, they might want to check out Tower Lane, in Sidestrand, on a map.

The byway continues into the overgrown hedge and ends at the cliff edge at Sidestrand, while a footpath veers off to the right (Image: Denise Bradley)

The overgrown byway ending at the cliff edge at Sidestrand. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The view from the cliff edge at Sidestrand, close to where the road ends (Image: Owen Sennitt)

The route, which is thought to have once been part of the original 19th century coast road, leads to a dead end right at the edge of the village's notoriously crumbling cliffs, which tumble down onto the beach and the North Sea beyond.

Villagers have been bemused why Norfolk County Council has re-instated the route as a public byway.

They have pointed out it is completely impassable, even on foot, as it is blocked by deep thicket and could pose a danger to anyone brave enough to try to explore it without realising it ends at a cliff face.

A notice detailing the new route has been added to Norfolk County Council's definitive map of rights of way (Image: Owen Sennitt)

The council has recently registered the 200-metre track as 'open to all traffic', including cars, pedestrians, horse riders and cyclists, by issuing a so-called modification order.

Ivor Watkins at the cliff edge at Sidestrand, where the overgrown byway is in the background, ending at the........

© Eastern Daily Press