Anger over long wait for fate of Dereham's derelict site

Norfolk County Council has revealed that the consultation process to decide what should happen to the former Sure Start centre on London Road, in Dereham, will not conclude until later this year.

The building was one of 38 centres to close in 2019, and has remained unoccupied ever since.

It has recently been a target for vandals and Harry Clarke, a Labour representative on Breckland Council who has been calling for action on the future of the site, said the delay was "extraordinary".

"I'm very disappointed, as many will be, at the extraordinary delay in coming to any decision at all.

"I'm sure the community would like to know exactly what this evaluation process is, the criteria, and who (if anyone) will be consulted.

"Of course there are formal processes involved and required of the NCC in any disposal, including through the local county councillors.

"I and my fellow councillor will carry on asking for information, transparency and community engagement."

Last year, the NCC said that it was working with local schools to determine how the building could be used to support children "who might benefit from a smaller learning environment".

In a new update, the NCC said it was considering "whether the building could be used again to support children and young people, or other council services.

"This evaluation process is ongoing and is expected to conclude later this year.

"The outcome of this process will inform how the building is ultimately used," the spokesman said.

Cllr Harry Clarke has called Norfolk County Council's timeline in coming to a decision on the fate of Dereham's children's centre very disappointing. (Image: Denise Bradley)
The statement comes after Dereham town councillors demanded action after the building was broken into and vandalised a month ago.