Once a bustling hospital and town hub, it has sat empty and derelict for 10 years.

Now a campaign has been launched to bring the former Cottage Hospital in Earls' Street, Thetford, back to life.

Mike Brindle, a Labour member of Thetford Town Council, has started an online petition to urge Breckland district council to put the site to good use, and suggested the council compulsorily purchase the building.

Mr Brindle said the site had become a dangerous eyesore.

He said: 'Conservative-controlled Breckland Council should use its powers to bring this former Cottage Hospital building back into use in some way to stop the building looking such an eyesore and becoming a hazard to local people.

'The council have the power to compulsorily purchase the building if its current owners are unprepared to bring it back into use and should do so as quickly as possible.'

The building has been empty since 2006 and was sold off to a private owner in 2010, but it remains unused.

A fire in the building in June this year added to residents' concerns, and fears about rats, pests and weeds were also raised.

So far, more than 230 people have signed the petition, which can be found at www.petitionbuzz.com/petitions/thetfordcottagehospital

A spokesperson for Breckland Council said the council could consider taking control of the building, but they: 'would need to be presented with a strong case that indicates this action would bring significant benefits to the public, could justify the use of taxpayers money.'

What do you think the former hospital should be used for? Add your comments below or email reporter Stuart Anderson directly at stuart.anderson@archant.co.uk