It was the mysterious case of the missing double yellow lines.

And it sparked weeks of "mayhem" on a busy city street with cars dumped on pavements and businesses missing out on vital deliveries.

When Norfolk County Council resurfaced Unthank Road two weeks ago the double yellow lines that stopped cars parking on either side vanished.

The blunder led to pedestrians nervously wandering into the road and other vehicles blocking traffic.

Locals said the move created a "parking free-for-all" with traffic struggling to pass - particularly near the row of shops next to Cambridge Street.

Norwich Evening News: Double yellow lines were painted back on Unthank Road on Friday afternoon but had to stop around a parked vanDouble yellow lines were painted back on Unthank Road on Friday afternoon but had to stop around a parked van (Image: Archant 2021)

But after coming under pressure from the Evening News the lines reappeared yesterday afternoon - well almost. Workers were unable to shift some vehicles so had to leave gaps!

Speaking before the hasty paint job, Kevin Plumstead, owner of Elizabeths the Florist, said his business was unable to deliver flowers on time for a funeral because people had blocked his vans adding it was "mayhem".

Norwich Evening News: Kevin Plumstead, owner of Elizabeths the Florist, outside his Unthank Road shopKevin Plumstead, owner of Elizabeths the Florist, outside his Unthank Road shop (Image: Archant)

"Someone is going to get knocked over before long," Mr Plumstead said.

"By law, the cars should not be parked here as the kerb has been dropped.

Norwich Evening News: Delivery vans at Elizabeths the Florist have been blocked off due to people parking on the dropped kerbDelivery vans at Elizabeths the Florist have been blocked off due to people parking on the dropped kerb (Image: Archant)

"Why resurface the road and not have guys booked in to do the lines a week later? It's poor management."

Mr Plumstead said there has been no room for his 20 staff to park.

Norwich Evening News: A woman on her mobility scooter on the narrow pavement where vans have been frequently passingA woman on her mobility scooter on the narrow pavement where vans have been frequently passing (Image: Kofra coffee roasters)

And large vehicles parking up all day long were also making businesses nervous on behalf of pedestrians walking on the narrow pavement.

Norwich Evening News: The narrow pavement in Unthank RoadThe narrow pavement in Unthank Road (Image: Archant)

Jim Smith, operations manager of the Adnams store in Unthank Road, described the situation as "dangerous" and the worst he has ever known it.

Mr Smith added: "It's like a blind corner as you can't see past the parked vehicles when you're trying to drive around them.

Norwich Evening News: Jim Smith, operations manager of the Adnams store in Unthank RoadJim Smith, operations manager of the Adnams store in Unthank Road (Image: Archant)

"If you know the area you would know not to park here. It's just not safe."

The red-faced county council has not commented.

'People were almost fighting'

Adrian Humphries, who runs bespoke kitchen firm The Annex, said parking has increasingly become an issue.

"It's a double-edged sword because it's good that it is busy down here, but I want people to park properly," Mr Humphries said on Friday morning before the lines reappeared.

Norwich Evening News: The Annex kitchen company in Unthank RoadThe Annex kitchen company in Unthank Road (Image: Archant)

"I can't believe they haven't put the yellow lines back. If you come here on a Sunday, people are parked here all day. Buses can't get through."

Mr Humphries said he spent £3,500 to get his kerb dropped but his forecourt was being blocked off.

He added that some drivers have got so frustrated that numerous spats had erupted.

Norwich Evening News: Buses and lorries have struggled to pass due to multiple parked cars near the row of shops in Unthank RoadBuses and lorries have struggled to pass due to multiple parked cars near the row of shops in Unthank Road (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Double yellow lines painted back in Unthank Road, but stopped around a parked vanDouble yellow lines painted back in Unthank Road, but stopped around a parked van (Image: Archant 2021)

Norwich Evening News: An Elizabeths delivery van parked on the kerb to prevent others blocking the forecourt now the double yellow lines have been removedAn Elizabeths delivery van parked on the kerb to prevent others blocking the forecourt now the double yellow lines have been removed (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: Double yellow lines freshly painted back on Unthank Road near the shops after resurfacing workDouble yellow lines freshly painted back on Unthank Road near the shops after resurfacing work (Image: Archant 2021)