A BUS stop in Westerham has been branded "inappropriate" and blamed for undoing work to preserve a conservation area.

Members of Westerham Parish Council have said the new bus stop post,w where timetables are displayed, does not fit in – despite all the consideration they gave the issue when they installed a new glass bus shelter last year.

The modern bus stop replaced a more traditional iron one, and was installed by Transport for London on the Green as part of its maintenance schedule.

Parish councillor Peter Rhymes said: "There was an old one there and it was in keeping with the area.

"With the new bus stop, one of the main considerations was to ensure that it slotted in with the buildings and the background.

"It's just a pity. It's a main part of the town. Then someone comes along and takes away some of the heritage. It's a picturesque vista from the shops and the road. That's something no-one's considered."

The parish council has resolved to write to those responsible for the change to make them aware of the issue.

Parish council highways and lighting committee chairman, Cllr David Jewitt, said: "We've deliberately had a sympathetic bus shelter put in, which is ruined by them putting in an inappropriate replacement bus stop."

The Green, which is home to statues of General Wolfe and Churchill, is part of a conservation area which covers much of the centre of Westerham.

Conservation areas are designated by Sevenoaks District Council and the area's status is considered as part of any planning applications.

A TfL spokesman said: "We installed the bus stops on Westerham Green at the request of Kent County Council to improve the information provided to bus passengers. As the new stops are in a conservation area, we painted them black so they better suited their surroundings."

English Heritage has previously raised concerns about changes in conservation areas damaging their character.

English Heritage chief executive Dr Simon Thurley said: "These are difficult economic times but our research shows that conservation areas do not need time-consuming or costly measures, just prioritising as places people cherish, the commitment of the whole council and good management."