North Norfolk district councillors have said it's time to 'start planning the celebrations', after news of a £1m project to replace Sheringham's railway platform.

North Norfolk News: Station Road in Sheringham. Picture: GOOGLE STREETVIEWStation Road in Sheringham. Picture: GOOGLE STREETVIEW (Image: Archant)

The leader of North Norfolk District Council (NNDC), Sarah Butikofer said the announcement, which will see the station close for more than a month, was 'excellent news', while Doug Smith, district councillor for Sheringham North, said: '52 years after the smallest railway station in Britain was built from railway sleepers over a single weekend, Sheringham is to have over £1m spent on a high-tech 21st century railway station.

'Let's put the flags out and start planning the celebrations.'

But the councillors' comments follow warnings from Sheringham Chamber of Trade, who warned on Wednesday, February 13, the redevelopment will 'severely impact Easter trading'.

Vice chairman Christopher Taylor criticised Great Anglia for their lack of consultation and said: 'As a chamber, we have to say we are really disappointed.'

However, all three Sheringham councillors welcomed the news.

Richard Shepherd, councillor for Sheringham South, said: 'This is a huge step up for Sheringham, and a great introduction to the town for our tourists.

'This may even have advantages for our high street shops to attract more businesses and spending.

'Importantly, disadvantaged passengers with cycles, heavy luggage or wheelchairs are catered for. I am hugely pleased with this important advance.'

While Judy Oliver, councillor for Sheringham South, added: 'I am absolutely delighted Sheringham is going to have a new station platform.

'The investment in this important improvement will be hugely beneficial to the town, its residents and visitors, as Sheringham continues to go from strength to strength with its new swimming pool and gym to replace Splash, the exciting work being done on the Deep History Coast project to add to the many annual events for which Sheringham is already so well known.'

And leader Mrs Butikoker said: 'This is excellent news.

'It's very welcome to hear we will see improved public transport infrastructure in north Norfolk.'

She added: 'It's crucial that replacement bus services running from Cromer to West Runton and Sheringham are reliable and times made clear for residents and visitors.'

Greater Anglia will improve services for passengers travelling to and from Sheringham, by installing a brand-new 80m platform at the station, double the length of the existing platform.

It will also be wider, with improved lighting and a new customer shelter. The investment of over £1 million, will make the station fit for the new trains which are due to come into service later this year.

READ MORE: Town's traders will be hit by month-long railway station closure, chamber asserts