‘Eyesore’ sandbags removed in Derby City Centre

Sandbags have been removed at Derby's Cockpit Island. Image by LDRS.

Sandbags branded an “eyesore” at one of Derby’s busiest traffic hotspots have been removed.

Concerns were raised that the large sacks made Cockpit Island – one of the city centre’s main gateways – a “builder’s yard”.

Derby City Council placed them last year after Stephen Bullock – also known as “Yellow Caravan Man” and Tiggz Dat Author – occupied a pavement in the middle of the island for several months.

His location made him a common sight for motorists as he was accompanied by a Jamaican-themed caravan, boat and slide in his efforts to spread “positive messages”.

Mr Bullock previously told a reporter he has helped thousands of people suffering hardship and his presence allowed a place for them to talk about issues in their lives.

He said: “I have suffered trauma and abuse throughout my entire life. I have been failed by the system, and I see horrors on a daily basis that would send people insane.”

However, worried council chiefs said his occupation at Cockpit Island was a safety concern to himself and motorists before he was removed. He then took up occupancy at other traffic islands in the city.

The aim of the bags was to prevent further occupancy or parking at Cockpit Island – although the Labour-led council stressed their appearance was “not ideal” and not permanent.

This week, workers have been seen removing the bags and placing yellow barriers at the location instead. It is expected permanent bollards will take their place sometime soon or in the future.

The removal of the bollards comes just days after it was reported Mr Bullock had been served with an injunction in court.

The one-year legal order prevents him from occupying land in Derby without permission and causing a nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

The bags’ removal was confirmed by leading Derby councillor Sarah Chambers on social media who branded them an “eyesore”.

She told followers of her Facebook page: “The sandbags at Cockpit Island are finally on their way out.

“At last we can make our way around this part of the city without feeling like we’d forgotten our bucket and spade.”

Conservative group leader Councillor Steve Hassall likened the Cockpit Island appearance to that of a “builder’s yard”.

He said: “It affects how people feel about the city. It gives a poor first impression and adds to the wider concern that parts of Derby are being allowed to look neglected.”

Earlier this week Derby City Council welcomed the injunction served on Mr Bullock and said “considerable efforts” were made to support him.

A spokesperson said: “This person has repeatedly occupied busy traffic islands, including Cockpit Island and Spondon Island, creating significant safety concerns for both himself and other road users.

“We sought this injunction to address those risks and welcome the court’s decision.”