Council agrees to compromise on Art Deco bus shelter

A compromise to save part of an Art Deco bus shelter while pressing ahead with widening a footpath due to safety concerns has been backed by a council.

Sheringham residents successfully campaigned to save the 1950s structure, which faced demolition as part of safety and transport plans.

On Tuesday, Sheringham Town Council agreed to support a revised design for Norfolk County Council's Otterndorf Green project, with the town clerk saying it "wanted to find a way forward".

North Norfolk District councillor Liz Withington, who had been part of the original protest to keep the structure, said the decision was "obviously very disappointing, but equally frustrating as well".

The shelter, on Station Approach, was due to be knocked down in December as part of plans for a new Otterndorf Green transport hub, but a sit-in protest prevented it from being bulldozed.

Sheringham Town Council then withdrew its support for the demolition proposal at an emergency meeting.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also weighed in, saying he was "not surprised" local people had strong views on the issue.

Under the revised plan, the shelter could be cut in half to preserve its distinctive curve while allowing the footpath in the immediate area to be widened.

Following the meeting, town clerk Michelle Barron said: "There are people really passionate about the bus shelter and there are people that really want to see it go and want the scheme to continue.

"The important thing about this compromise - and the Save Our Shelter campaign has been involved in these discussions and they're happy - is it means we get to keep some of the heritage.

"But it is really important we can widen the pavement, which is what Norfolk County Council needs to continue with the scheme."

Barron added the Otterndorf Green area - where the current shelter is located - was a building site and buses were not stopping there, meaning it was "affecting the wider community".

"Most people just want to see a solution," she said.

Liberal Democrat councillor Withington, who attended the meeting, said not everyone from the Save Our Shelter campaign agreed with the compromise.

She said the plan "continues to reflect the failings of the whole project".

"Last night's discussions were focused entirely on one design option of cutting the shelter in half - leaving a back wall and small overhang - which doesn't reflect the cultural aspect.

"It doesn't address the major safety issues in the area."

Norfolk County councillor Graham Plant, Conservative cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: "The bus shelter and adjacent land is owned by the town council and they are now deciding what they wish to do with their site."

He said discussions with the town council were continuing.

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