Traders and residents have called for an 'unnecessary' bus stop in Downham Market to be removed.

The request for action to be taken at the bus stop on Bridge Street, close to the Conservative club, came at the annual town meeting in the Town Hall on March 29.

It is hoped the removal of the bus stop will boost traffic movement in the town along with reinstating parking between the Hollies and the Town Hall car parks.

Maureen Hibling, who runs Sew Inn, said: 'We do not need this bus stop because it blocks traffic and there is an adequate bus stop only a couple of hundred yards away in the Hollies car park near Morrisons.

'At the town meeting, the majority of people voted it should be removed as soon as possible and to me, common sense says it has got to go.'

The bus stop was put in place several years ago outside the Conservative club as part of regeneration plans for the town, but after complaints it was moved further down Bridge Street.

This, along with the installation of a taxi stand opposite, has led to the removal of any parking or loading along that stretch of Bridge Street –something which continues to annoy both traders and residents.

Town councillors agreed at a full council meeting last Tuesday to send a letter to Norfolk County Council's highways department outlining townspeople's concerns over the bus stop.

A Norfolk County Council spokesman said the bus stop is 'very well used'.

He added: 'We are sorry to hear there are problems but it's an important stop for bus passengers.'