Sheringham’s bus shelter protestors inside and outside the shelter. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Locals have been braving the winter cold and sleeping in the bus shelter overnight since Monday to prevent the facility from being demolished.

Norfolk County Council plans to demolish the 1950s brick shelter outside the North Norfolk Railway Station and replace it with a modern glass and steel ‘hub’. Protesters, many of whom are retired, have been chanting ‘We Shannock be relocated’, referring to the town’s traditional name.

Sheringham’s bus shelter protestors sing ‘we shannock be moved’. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The protests have been peaceful and good-natured, however police were called once on Wednesday morning when contractors accused the demonstrators of destroying the fencing surrounding the bus shelter.

The officers addressed the protestors, took no action, and left the scene.

For several weeks, locals have protested to plans to replace the cherished shelter with a mural by local artist Colin Seal.

A renovation sign on the wall of the bus shelter in Sheringham. (Image: Denise Bradley)

The impromptu protest began when workers were seen arriving at the scene on Monday afternoon. Since then, activists have camped out in front of the shelter all day and night in shifts, thwarting the council’s intentions to demolish it. On Wednesday, some protesters went inside the shelter to continue their demonstration.

Katie Hart, who started the original petition to get the bus shelter listed and has been camped there since 6.30pm on Tuesday night, said:

“The police came to question us, and we thought, ‘Can we get in here without causing damage?’.” “They said a complaint had been filed, and the contractors accused us of breaking a clip to get in here.

“We want to keep things peaceful. We’re not here to be antagonistic. We are here to make it clear to the council that no one is listening. Our own MP has asked them to desist.”

Katie Hart and Rob Emery protest outside the bus shelter. (Image: Denise Bradley)

Protesters stated the contractors returned to the area about 8.30 a.m. on Wednesday and began hearing them at the back of the shelter.

One component of the proposals that has particularly enraged protesters is the council’s claim that the work is necessary to increase accessibility.

Rob Emery, a demonstrator, stated: “I believe it is critical to maintain control of the shelter from our perspective. We arrived early in the morning. “Bus riders have begun using it.

There is a definite demand from the people to use this as an actual shelter.”

A protest sign outside the bus shelter in Sheringham. (Image: Denise Bradley)

However, since Tuesday, the contractors have removed the benches.

The demonstration has gripped the hearts and minds of the town, and local businesses have stepped forward to help the marchers by sending food boxes and hot drinks to keep them warm and well-fed.

Lisa Woods, a co-owner of The Sheringham Trawler restaurant, distributed chips to the demonstrators and stated of the protestors’ campaign to save the shelter, “It is part of Sheringham.”

“It is the nostalgia of Sheringham. I believe the plans are the worst thing that many people have heard.

Lisa Woods of The Sheringham Trawler brings chips to the bus shelter protesters. (Image: Denise Bradley)

North Norfolk MP Steffan Aquarone met with Norfolk County Council on Wednesday and spoke to BBC Radio Norfolk, expressing his full support and sympathy with the protesters.

Mr Aquarone stated, “I stand shoulder to shoulder with those protestors.” “They just don’t trust the county council to stop, reflect and come back to the table.” A spokesperson for Norfolk County Council clarified:

“The concerns raised by some local residents are fully noted and have been considered throughout the development of the project, with many suggestions being incorporated into the design but retaining the existing shelter is not a viable option and disrupting the works by entering a construction site is dangerous for all concerned.”

“We want these works to be delivered as safely and quickly as possible so everyone living and working in or visiting Sheringham can benefit from this new amenity and we ask that those involved leave the area immediately.”

According to Norfolk Police, officers were called to Station Approach in Sheringham at 9.45 a.m. this morning after receiving a report of criminal damage to fence surrounding a bus shelter. “Initial enquiries were conducted, and no crime has been recorded.”

OUR VIEW

In 2025, it’s easy to become jaded by public protests. Every weekend, it appears that town and city centres are taken over by some cause or another.

As a result, these ‘omniprotests’ are frequently reduced to background noise – loud but mostly overlooked by the majority of us. This week’s action in Sheringham’s central district is unique. We believe this is a cause that we should all be aware of and sympathetic to.

The council intends to destroy a 1950s brick bus shelter at the North Norfolk Railway Station and replace it with a transit ‘centre’. That dread word, a classic bit of jargon, is enough to set off alarms.

To be sure, there is nothing particularly noteworthy about the bus stop. It’s cute, but not amazing.

However, it is in character and in the proper position for a town recognised for nostalgia, thanks in large part to its annual 1940s weekend.

Most of us have seen enough current street furniture to know that whatever the council proposes as a replacement is unlikely to improve the streetscape.

The council claims that the brick shelter is not ‘accessible’ enough, using another more jargon. However, several of those protesting its destruction are wheelchair users who claim they have no issue utilising it.

There are many things in life that are worth becoming outraged and motivated about, but few of us do.

The fate of this basic refuge is not the most pressing issue facing the county right now.

However, the protestors’ persistence, who have been sleeping outside since Monday night to keep the bulldozers at bay, has piqued the public’s interest.

The demonstrators have a point. They should be listened to. Then they require a restful night’s sleep.

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