Hoveton and Wroxham Riverside Trust (HWRT) has been running a stall at the Granary Staithe, next to Wroxham Bridge, for several years.

But this is set to change after Hoveton Community Council has decided that the stall should be removed by March 21.

It comes after councillors made the decision to boot the trust off the site in January, claiming the group had failed to move the wooden stand from the staithe before a Christmas lights switch-on event.

Members subsequently ordered the trust to move off the staithe by February 28, but later said the group could stay until the issue was discussed at a meeting this month.

The Trust's stall at Granary Staithe (Image: Phoebe Ozanne)

A spokesman for the council has said: "The council has asked that the stall be moved within 14 days of an email sent to HWRT on Saturday March 7.

"We do want to work with them and not have to resort to legal means."

The council also issued a statement for villagers and visitors of the staithe, saying communication with the trust "has not proved easy".

"Your council has tried to communicate with the HWRT in various ways but this has not proved easy as this is not a locally managed organisation," it said.

"The council, as the Staithe owner, has a legal duty to manage it on behalf of the whole community to keep it safe, available for community use and to enhance the riverside environment, including the range of natural wildlife.

"To do so, it must exercise proper control over how it's used and by whom, without fear or favour.

"So, when the formal agreement with the HWRT ended last month we took advice before agreeing to request HWRT move their stall."

Granary Staithe in Hoveton (Image: Phoebe Ozanne)

The HWRT - many of whose volunteers are neurodivergent or vulnerable adults - had been left furious by the council's actions prior to the meeting.

One member had been told by two councillors that they will soon be removing the stall "by hook and crook".

David Morse, secretary and trustee of HWRT, had previously told this paper: "We believe the council is putting profit ahead of animal welfare, and community purpose.

"The council should be acting on behalf of the community but it seems they are more interested in its financial interests."

The council said that with it moved, it can make improvements to the staithe for locals and holiday makers.

Volunteers from the Hoveton and Wroxham Riverside Trust (Image: Hoveton and Wroxham Riverside Trust)

This included ensuring wildfowl are cared for with clearly displayed information on who to contact in the event someone spots waterfowl in distress, and planning for major renovation works.

It added the possibility of selling the staithe, and said that while this was only considered as an option of last resort, HCC are "looking at all available options to improve the facility for all parishioners".

The stall had previously sold bird feed to visitors but stopped doing so last year after complaints that it was attracting too many pigeons and rats to the area.

It now just features a display and information stand.

The trust has been contacted for comment.

© Eastern Daily Press