<p>This petition, established by Labour Councillor Mike Brindle, calls upon Conservative controlled Breckland Council to exercise its powers as a 'local authority' and bring the former Cottage Hospital building back into use in some form to stop the building looking an eyesore and providing a hazard for local people.</p><p>Background: The Cottage Hospital in Thetford has been left empty for many years – ever since the NHS relocated services to the Healthy Living Centre.The building is owned privately and over time has fallen into disrepair. In June 2016, there was a fire in the building and neighbours nearby have become increasingly concerned. Local Labour Councillor Mike Brindle, who is also Chairman of the Thetford Society’s Environment Committee, has launched a petition calling on Breckland Council to act to sort this issue out. Mike said: “Conservative controlled Breckland Council have the power as the local authority to compulsory purchase the former Cottage Hospital, if its owners are not prepared to bring it back into use. This site has been deteriorating rapidly and now is the time to act. The whole site is an absolute eyesore and does not help our efforts to improve Thetford’s image. I know that resident’s nearby are also understandably concerned”.</p>
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