Hundreds of people have signed a petition against changes to bus routes in north Norfolk.

North Norfolk News: Protesters at bus stop in Overstrand High Street. Pictures: David BaleProtesters at bus stop in Overstrand High Street. Pictures: David Bale (Image: Archant)

Sanders coaches is altering the route on its Coasthopper and No 5 services from April 21.

But some people in Overstrand are 'incensed' and campaigner, Diana Rolph has set up a petition against it.

She said: 'We have 183 signatures on the petition.

'The buses will no longer come through the village, and stop in the High Street, therefore villagers who would normally use these stops near the shop, will have to walk to the main road and use the stops by the school.

North Norfolk News: Protesters at bus stop in Overstrand High Street. Pictures: David BaleProtesters at bus stop in Overstrand High Street. Pictures: David Bale (Image: Archant)

'Sanders expects people, including those with disabilities and schoolchildren, to walk further and to cross a main road.

'I'm nearly 73 and fit and healthy, but my son is disabled. I'm really incensed about it, as it's an essential service for the village.'

Disabled Vivienne Parker added: 'I can walk to the current bus stop but not to the main road.'

And Roger Kimp said there had always been a bus stop in the High Street.

North Norfolk News: Protesters at bus stop in Overstrand High Street. Pictures: David BaleProtesters at bus stop in Overstrand High Street. Pictures: David Bale (Image: Archant)

Sanders general manager Richard Pengelly said roads were getting busier and there were issues with the road surface at the corner of Carr Lane and High Street and buses could not parallel park at the bus stops to allow people with disabilities to disembark onto the raised pavement areas. There were also parking pinch points in the High Street.

Mr Pengelly said: 'In Overstrand, some people say it's good while others say, 'Oh, my God, What have you done?

'We will work with Overstrand Parish Council on this.

'We have damaged vehicles at Carr Lane, and when the front end of a bus gets ripped off, it costs a lot of money.'

Claire Armstrong, who lives opposite the High Street bus stop, is, however, pleased that it's moving.

She said: 'About 250 buses come by here every week with their engines running and fumes coming out. People are not losing a service, as it's just moving to the main road. About 80pc of these buses are empty anyway, so it's not well-used.'