Emma Murton, who lives in Northgate, is angry at the prospect of losing on-street parking outside her home.

Mrs Murton, a hairdresser, said: "All the feedback I have heard so far is that it's just a silly proposal so I thought I would start the petition to try to do something about it."

Objectors can add their names to the list at Goldilocks hair salon in Austin Street between 9am and 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday. The petition will remain open until the end of August.

Meanwhile, residents have been told that objections will be considered "at an early stage" in the plans.

Outcry arose when maps and details of the routes were circulated to people living along the affected roads. Anger was voiced at the loss of on-street parking and expected impact on business and tourism.

Church Street resident Angela Read this week joined in the criticism. She already has to hunt for a parking space in neighbouring James Street, which under the proposals would have cycle lanes on both sides combined with double yellow lines. "I don't know what I will do. I really don't," she hit out.

In reply to residents' fears, Norfolk County Council issued a statement saying it wanted to encourage greater use of sustainable transport and had worked with Hunstanton Town Council to draw up the routes. The statement said: "Many of the streets in Hunstanton are narrow and are heavily used by parked cars, which does not create a safe environment for cyclists. To implement the routes the town council has asked us to consider, parking restrictions would be needed."

Traffic Regulation Orders would be required and would involve press advertisements and on-site notices. "However, in this case we considered it appropriate to inform the residents and businesses directly affected to gain their views at an early stage," the statement continued.

Residents' responses would be taken back to the town council, probably in early September, to decide whether changes needed to be made.

"We certainly welcome all correspondence from anyone affected and will listen carefully to what is being said before taking any further action," added the statement.

Mrs Read there was virtually no off-street parking in her road, which was already "choc-a-bloc" with vehicles. The situation had worsened since the introduction in July of pay-and-display in Valentine Road car park, which used to be popular with workers and shoppers.

"They are now encroaching on side roads. I don't blame them for not wanting to spend £10 or £12 a week in parking charges," she said.

Large numbers of flat dwellers in surrounding streets also needed somewhere to park. "If the scheme goes ahead, where do they expect residents to park?"

Mrs Read was also concerned about a contra-flow cycle track scheme proposed for Church Street, a one-way street for cars. "To have cyclists facing on-coming traffic is dangerous," she said.