CAMPAIGNERS against a bus shelter in Atworth have reacted with dismay to news that the shelter will be built, despite a 150-name petition against it.

Atworth Parish Council voted through the plans for the shelter last Wednesday. It will now be built near the Victorian clock tower and war memorial.

Opponents say the position of the shelter will detract from the historic monument in Bath Road.

Ken Spencer, who has led the campaign, said: “We’re very disappointed and angry. Notwithstanding 150 signatures, the council decided to go ahead with the building of the bus shelter.

“We did our best to persuade them otherwise. I can’t say how disappointed we are.

“In the parish plan there are nine comments saying it would be a good idea. They claim that as a majority.

“There are some people in favour of it, there’s no doubt about that, but the parish council claim nine people as a majority. It’s absurd.

“Three years ago, the same parish council objected to West Wiltshire District Council putting a shelter in the very same place.”

The petition handed into the meeting last week was started by former parish councillor Mavis King.

Mrs King said: “There is a strong feeling of grievance permeating Atworth that personal feeling towards the Atworth clock tower and memorial is being ignored and over-ridden by Atworth Parish Council.

“We feel most strongly that requests for discussion about bus shelters in Atworth have been poorly handled for the last three or more years.

“A complete survey of the needs of bus users, married in with the preservation of distinctive areas such as Atworth clock tower, should have taken place years ago and it most certainly should be undertaken now.”

However, the parish council has defended its decision.

In a statement on behalf of the council, clerk Charles Boyle said: “The residents of Atworth have had plenty of opportunity to express their views on the bus shelter at the clock tower. Other than Mr Spencer, little has been heard from them until the recent petition, which has come far too late. The shelter has been ordered and is due for installation shortly. The parish council is convinced that the shelter will be an excellent addition to the parish amenities.”