Sheringham council backs compromise to save part of 1950s bus shelter

Sheringham Town Council has supported a revised Otterndorf Green design that would preserve part of a 1950s Art Deco bus shelter while allowing a nearby footpath to be widened; the change follows a resident sit-in that halted an earlier demolition plan.

Sheringham Town Council has agreed to support a revised design for the Otterndorf Green project that would retain part of a 1950s Art Deco bus shelter while allowing pavement widening for safety. The shelter on Station Approach had been scheduled for demolition in December as part of plans for a new transport hub. A sit-in by residents prevented the demolition and led to an emergency council meeting at which the town withdrew support for the earlier proposal. The revised option would cut the shelter in half to keep its distinctive curve and clear space for a wider footpath. Key facts: - The council backed a revised Otterndorf Green design that aims to keep part of the 1950s shelter while enabling pavement widening. - The shelter was due to be removed in December but a resident sit-in halted the work and prompted an emergency meeting. - Town clerk Michelle Barron said the compromise retains some local heritage, that the Save Our Shelter campaign has been involved and is happy with discussions, and that pavement widening is needed for the county council's scheme. - Not all campaign supporters agree; North Norfolk District councillor Liz Withington called the outcome disappointing and said it does not reflect the shelter's cultural role or fully address safety concerns. - Norfolk County councillor Graham Plant said the shelter and adjacent land are owned by the town council and that discussions between the councils are continuing. Summary: The move attempts to balance preserving a locally valued Art Deco bus shelter with the need to widen a footpath for safety. The compromise follows resident activism and an emergency town meeting. Some campaigners remain unhappy, and officials say the town council owns the site and is deciding how to proceed. Discussions with Norfolk County Council are continuing.