A new bus shelter for Earsham Street in Bungay has been ordered, the town council heard - but some nearby businesses are unhappy with its design and position.

A new bus shelter for Earsham Street in Bungay has been ordered, the town council heard - but some nearby businesses are unhappy with its design and position.

The previous one was badly damaged when struck by a vehicle two years ago.

But Mark Hougham the proprietor of the Castle Inn, outside which the shelter stands, has told the council he is unhappy about the design of the new one and has put forward his own proposals, and felt funding could be found.

Town Clerk Peter Morrow reported at Monday's meeting that those designs were impractical in terms of design and materials, and he he had told Mr Hougham that. He had been given till the end of the month to come of with amended designs and if they were not provided by then the council would go ahead with its original design.

In a letter to the council Mr Hougham said: “Our issue is primarily one of the design and style and once this is resolved we can explore all the avenues for funding, but we feel certain that this will not be insurmountable if we work together.”

He said they wanted to work with the council towards the best solution, and said neither he nor neighbouring businesses were happy to accept the replacement of like for like when there was an opportunity to improve the street's aspect.

“You highlight the pressing need to replace the shelter but as we understand it it has been left in its current unsafe state for the last two years. In fact we feel the most urgent matter here is to spend the £200 and remove the existing structure, which has sharp broken edges which are a danger to passers by, and in strong winds moves enough to hit against our building as its footings are loose,” he said.

Mr Hougham said he also wondered whether the overall position of the shelter was advisable as it was close to the junction with Chaucer Street.

“Once a bus is stopped there cars turning off the main road have to enter the opposite lane of traffic. Should this not also be taken into consideration before the new structure is erected?” he said.

“We hope that in the face of opposition to the proposal the council will not proceed in haste but will pause to consider the views of the local residents and traders.”

Bungay's Chamber of Trade will discuss the issue at its meeting on Wednesday.