The leader of a Suffolk district council has responded to an MP's calls for clarity over a disused industrial site which caught fire earlier this year.
At the beginning of July, South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge wrote to Babergh District Council to push for a meeting to discuss the Delphi site off Newton Road in Sudbury.
This comes after the building caught fire on Tuesday, May 28 prompting a large emergency service response and the arrest of a 14-year-old on suspicion of arson, who has been bailed until July 27.
Fire at Delphi in May (Image: Joe Collins)
In the letter to Deborah Saw, leader of Babergh, Mr Cartlidge asked to meet with the council's economic development team to discuss the future of the site.
He wrote: "During the election, a number of Sudbury residents raised with me their concerns about the recent fire at Delphi, which they felt seemed to embody the lack of progress at the site.
"As such, I would be grateful if this meeting could also include attendance by stakeholders from the fire and police services, so that we can discuss the anti-social behaviour and other such matters."
South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge (Image: Newsquest)
On Tuesday, July 23, Cllr Saw responded to Mr Cartlidge's letter.
She wrote: "The council is acutely aware of the significance of the site to the community, and we want to see its future resolved as soon as possible.
"We have worked hard to progress discussions with the owner and now the council’s head of economic development meets with him, his recently appointed agent, and his architect/project manager every two weeks."
She explained that she briefed Sudbury Town Council last Wednesday and had a meeting with the owner and his advisers last Thursday.
Deborah Saw, leader of BDC (Image: Babergh District Council)
"I emphasised to them how important it was to engage with the community and the project manager for the site will be doing just that in the weeks to come," she said.
"As regards the incidence of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the site, these are to be deplored but our community safety team, the Police, Fire Service, and the owner are working together to ensure the site is secured.
"I am sure you will be happy to learn that in your words, 'greater progress and constructive engagement is being crystallised.'
"I will, of course, keep you informed of all significant developments and will arrange a meeting in due course but let me assure you that the council is focused on working with all parties to ensure that this site will once again play a major role in the economy of Sudbury," she added.
Cllr Saw said the letter would be published on social media.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here