Campaigners vow to stay as bailiffs arrive at Sheringham bus shelter
Protest intensifies ahead of planned emergency meeting over shelter's future
Campaigners protesting the demolition of a historic 1950s bus shelter in Sheringham have vowed to remain at the site after bailiffs arrived early this morning to begin eviction proceedings.
The Save Sheringham’s Historic Bus Shelter group revealed on Facebook that bailiffs arrived at 4am this morning (8 December), one day before an emergency meeting scheduled to discuss the shelter’s future.
Protest intensifies
Protesters, who have occupied the shelter at Station Approach to stop its demolition, say they plan to stay despite the arrival of enforcement teams. Metal fencing was installed around the location earlier today, restricting access but leaving an exit point for campaigners still inside the structure.
One post from the campaign group stated, “So bailiffs came this morning at 4 am, we are still in and plan to remain.” Another said, “So 4 am today bailiffs arrived to evict us 1 day prior to the emergency meeting where we have agreed to be heard.”
Dispute over transport hub plans
The shelter’s demolition is part of Norfolk County Council’s plans to construct a new transport hub aimed at improving accessibility, safety, and capacity in the town.
The council has defended its decision, stating that retaining the shelter is not viable due to safety concerns and highlighting consultations held with the community on the hub’s design.
While the council has called on campaigners to vacate the site immediately, the protesters argue the shelter could be preserved with simple modifications. They shared a plan drawn up by local architect Bernard, which they claim resolves pinch points and makes the existing structure safer.
Campaigners had intended to present this proposal at the emergency meeting on 6th December.
Continued calls for balance
The dispute has caught the attention of North Norfolk MP Steff Aquarone, who has advocated for open-minded discussions to find a solution balancing community needs with transport safety and capacity.
Aquarone previously commented, “We need to have an open-minded discussion and creatively think about how we can make this all work.”
As tensions escalate, the future of Sheringham's historic bus shelter hangs in the balance, with campaigners refusing to back down ahead of tomorrow's meeting.