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Worried neighbours have called for urgent action to replace an “unsafe” police station amid more signs of children putting their lives at risk. The former police station on Cotton Lane has stood derelict since Derbyshire police officers moved into its new Ascot Drive premises a few years ago.
The building is in a poor state of repair, with boarded-up and smashed windows. It has previously been described as “potentially hazardous.” Temporary fencing which has been installed around it appears unsecure, meaning trespassers are able to enter – and are frequently seen doing so.
Big warning signs are posted on the fencing stating in capital letters “Stay Safe Keep Out” and that there are “unseen dangers” in derelict buildings. But these seem to be ignored, as there are frequent reports of children entering the site.
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Recently councillor Sarah Chambers feared a tragedy could happen as she warned parents living close by about the dangers of entering the site.
And this week the Sinfin and Osmaston councillor had to repeat her concerns after residents sent her photos of youths wandering around inside the grounds of the old station.
Councillor Chambers said on Facebook: “Osmaston, if these are your children who are currently putting themselves in potential danger, please speak to them about trespassing on this land. This building has been vacant for over three years, and the internal condition of the building is unknown and potentially hazardous.”
Plans have been submitted to convert the building and build more than 100 new homes at the site. Derby City Council raised a number of concerns about the application but a new design statement has been submitted as part of the proposals by the owners of the site – DCG Investments Ltd.
Osmaston residents living close to the building say change is desperately needed before someone is hurt.
Dean Ashworth, who has lived on Cotton Lane for three years, claimed the building has been unsafe for some time and contains asbestos, which can be very harmful if inhaled.
Mr Ashworth said: “It is concerning because you can hear people in there at all times. I don’t know whether it’s kids or adults.
“It’s an unsafe building, that is why it is not a police station anymore. I think something needs to be done to make the area look better.”
Read more – Police statement after children make concerning discovery while fishing at Derbyshire lake
John Pidcock, a Cotton Lane resident for 50 years, also said it was time for change. He said: “It’s been like it for years. I don’t know what’s happening with it. I’d like to see something done – it needs a tidy up. I’d welcome new homes.
“I’ve seen kids in there, and I’ve seen police around inspecting the building.”
Councillor Chambers’ latest warning came with dozens of replies also calling for something to be done. One person commented: “Something needs to get sorted quickly on planning approvals for Cotton Lane Police Station and the Showcase Cinema”.
But others said “let them be kids” with residents saying how exploring abandoned buildings “brings back great childhood memories”. A spokesperson for the building’s owners DCG investments Ltd told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it was aware of trespassing issues and had reported incidents to the police .
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