An overgrown riverbank is set to be transformed so villagers can sit and watch the world go by.

The parish council at Upwell, near Downham Market, has been given planning permission to create an amenity area on Town Street, beside the Well Creek.

It plans to apply for grants to cover the cost of clearing an area 12m long and 3m wide of vegetation.

Eastern Daily Press: A view across the Well Creek, looking towards the overgrown bank which will be transformed into a new seating areaA view across the Well Creek, looking towards the overgrown bank which will be transformed into a new seating area (Image: Google)

It says the area will then be topped with York stone slabs or block-weave, before two seats are installed facing the river.

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Fencing matching that of the footbridge across the creek to the nearby Upwell Chapel will also be installed.

Well Creek is part of the original course of the River Nene.

It was connected to the Wisbech Canal, before it was filled in during the 1950s and '60s.

There were angry protests from villagers when it was suggested the creek could also be filled in.

Norfolk County Council ruled it must be preserved, after a public enquiry in 1969.