Bus shelter's demolition brings saga to an end

A 1950s bus shelter in Norfolk that made national headlines after a nine-day sit-in against plans to demolish it has been pulled down.

Sheringham Town Council gave the go-ahead to knock down the bus stop on Station Approach, saying an earlier decision to keep part of it would have been too costly.

Norfolk County Council had wanted the shelter to go as part of its accessibility, traffic and safety improvements in the area.

It took an hour on Monday morning for the shelter to be demolished.

Campaigners began protesting against the shelter being knocked down in November.

North Norfolk district councillor Liz Withington said: "I feel deflated. It feels as if community has been let down.

"Norfolk County Council has missed out on a huge opportunity to address road safety issues in the area.

"It is as if local democracy does not matter as the town council failed to listen to our town and be bullied by [the county council]."

In a statement, the town council said: "Demolition of the shelter will allow Norfolk County Council to complete the travel hub as originally designed, including the required pavement widening to meet national accessibility and safety standards.

"This is a key requirement in order for buses to return to Station Approach."

It said it had considered the financial implications, with demolition "the most cost-effective option", at about £3,950 plus VAT.

The bus stop was loved by many people for its mural. The town council said the artist behind it, Colin Seal, was involved in creating new artwork for the replacement shelter.

A public consultation was held on the bus stop replacement for the shelter, with the recommended changes getting the support of local bus operators.

As well as a new shelter being built, the street will be widened to provide a wider footpath.

A county council spokesperson said on Monday: "We are committed to returning buses to Station Approach as soon as possible.

"Making this decision now means that we can complete the travel hub scheme between January and March 2027."

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