Town leaders are 'disappointed and disheartened' after learning action cannot be taken following a controversial redecoration of a town business.

Andrew Cunningham-Brown, who opened North Norfolk Insurance in a former fishmongers in Church Street, Sheringham - a conservation area - painted the business bright purple and green.

Sheringham town councillors raised concerns about the bright colours at a meeting last month and wrote to North Norfolk District Council about their concerns.

The district council's response, aired at a town council meeting this week, was that planning permission for a simple repaint was not needed because the building was not listed so no action could be taken.

Town councillor Peter Cox said at this week's meeting a lot of people did not like the colours and asked the question: 'What is the purpose of a conservation area?'

Doug Smith was 'disappointed and disheartened' with the district council response and described the colours as an 'eyesore'.

But Madeleine Ashcroft said some people were pleased with the colour scheme.