Calls for fire-hit factory to be redeveloped

Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service say the blaze covered an area of about 100m (324ft) by 50m (164ft)

Residents have called for a disused factory which suffered a major fire to be redeveloped.

About half of the building at the former Delphi Diesel Systems site in Newton Road, Sudbury, went up in flames on 28 May.

No-one was injured and a 14-year-old boy has since been arrested on suspicion of arson, Suffolk Police said.

The building had been empty since 2020 when the factory, which made components for the motor industry, closed, causing hundreds of job losses.

Locals are torn on whether the site should be redeveloped into housing.

Clifford Thompson and his wife Mary say they would like to see social housing built at the site

Clifford Thompson worked at the factory as a machinist for 25 years before taking early retirement.

"It's a shame but I'd like to see them develop houses there," he said.

His wife, Mary, added: "Any residential housing that may be proposed, I'd prefer they were social, council-type houses for young families that are here.

"The building has been sitting there empty for so long and there's been some vandalism recently so it does need opening up.

"I just hope it will be developed and it will be something good for the town. How soon? I don't know."

Dean Attridge says it is "sad" that the building has been empty for so long

Resident Dean Attridge said: "I think it needs to be either used as a factory again or demolish it and build something other than houses on there because there's a lot of new builds going on around the Sudbury area and Long Melford, so I'd rather it be something that would bring jobs into the town.

"I think we could build a cinema on there or a bowling alley because there's not a lot of entertainment in Sudbury unless you like to drink."

David Norris and Susan Sycamore say they "definitely don't want housing" to be built

David Norris also worked at Delphi Diesel Systems, but as a telephone engineer.

"It should be reused as there's lots of opportunities for it to be used," he said.

"It could be turned into a sports complex to entertain kids like bowling alleys… trampoline parks, indoor exercise areas. There's a lot to go in there and its big enough."

His partner, Susan Sycamore, added: "It was the main employer of Sudbury so without that it's gone downhill greatly.

"We definitely don't want housing. Like my partner said, maybe something for the kids to get together and use it as they don't get enough exercise these days."

At its height, it is thought about 3,000 people worked at the site

A Babergh District Council spokesperson said: "We continue to share the community's concern and frustration about the former Delphi site, and the recent fire reinforces the need for its future to be resolved as soon as possible.

"We have recently met the owner to discuss the next steps he needs to take to progress discussions for the site, including appointment of a marketing agent to attract new commercial uses.

"We also recognise the problems with vandalism and criminal behaviour, and our Community Safety Team has been liaising with local police, the owner and nearby businesses as a result."

The owner of the building, Future Properties Holding Ltd, was approached for comment.