Security at a vacant care home is costing the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds.
Residents petitioned for Leivers Court Care Home in Arnold to remain open before it was shut by the council in 2019.
More than 500 people signed the petition, but the Conservative-led council said the building was not ‘fully fit for purpose’.
Now, councillors are calling for the building to be brought back into use – saying it is a “travesty” that the home was closed.
A County Council spokesperson said the building was part of an “ongoing review” of vacant properties.
Councillor Henry Wheeler (Lab), who represents Coppice, said that the security costs figure was “shocking”.
He said: “It is a significant amount of money. The building is sitting there going to rack and ruin at the moment.
“It has been closed for an awful long time because of a cost-cutting exercise. It could easily be turned into flats.
“There needs to be a plan going forward because it doesn’t look good. We want to bring it back into the community.
“The longer they leave it, there are more opportunities for it to fall into disrepair.”
Cllr Wheeler said he would like the building to be turned into accommodation for elderly residents.
He added: “There’s a desperate need for accommodation for dementia care.
“It’s a waste of taxpayers’ money at the end of the day. I think it’s sad that the building is sitting there doing nothing.”
Michelle Welsh, councillor for Arnold South (Lab) said: “We were all horrified that they were closing it at the time because there was a shortage for those types of beds.
“It was an absolute travesty when it was closed. I spoke to a number of family members of residents who were distraught about it.
“The council have not only left it and spent that money, but it is also a total disregard to that community.
“The staff and residents didn’t want it to close, it provided a vital service for people across Nottinghamshire.
“When I visited Leivers Court it was absolutely marvellous. I think the community will be very upset to hear this.
“There is no reason why the council shouldn’t have a plan for this building.”
Neil Gamble, Group Manager Property Asset Management, at Nottinghamshrie County Council, said: “This site is part of the ongoing review that is being carried out across all our vacant properties that we will report on in the future.”
