Campaign to save 'much loved' 1950s bus shelter

Katie Hart says there is "nothing wrong" with the shelter, which could be knocked down

A campaigner has started a petition to save a "much loved" 1950s bus shelter from demolition.

Norfolk County Council has said the shelter, in Sheringham, does not meet "modern accessibility standards and is unsafe", but Katie Hart believes there is "nothing wrong with it".

A scheme which includes replacing the brick-built structure on Station Approach - near the heritage North Norfolk Railway - with a steel-and-glass building is already underway.

As well as a petition, Ms Hart has appealed to Historic England, an organisation which advises the government on how to preserve historic buildings, to step in.

The shelter, close to the North Norfolk Railway, features steam-train themed art work

Ms Hart, from Sheringham, believes the shelter is "fit for purpose". More than 1,600 people have signed her petition.

She said: "It's used, it's respected, there's no vandalism on it, which I find quite remarkable. We've maintained this well, as a community.

"We've looked after the artwork inside. People respect it."

She would like to see the 1950s shelter modernised and said its brickwork is in keeping with nearby buildings.

Ms Hart contacted Historic England hoping the shelter could be given listed building status, which could help protect it.

The organisation confirmed it had been contacted, but said it had not received a formal listing application.

'Pinch point'

The replacement of the shelter is part of the Sheringham Travel Hub project.

A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council said: "The current bus shelter does not meet modern accessibility standards and is unsafe due to its close proximity to the edge of the pavement, creating a 'pinch point' which forces bus users and passing pedestrians into the carriageway."

The council said the scheme had the support of bus operators, the railway and other local councils.

As well as replacing the shelter, work will include widening the pavement. Digital screens will give travel information.

It said: "Both the bus shelter and planting have been redesigned to provide an increased footway width, ensuring a safer, more accessible environment for all users.

"The scheme went through a full public consultation, which shaped the final bespoke design of the replacement steel-and-glass shelter; modified to stay in keeping with the heritage of the area."