BBC: Historic clockworks in Derby occupied by squatters

a splendid squatter story:

John Cadwallader, chief executive of Derby CityScape, said the building should be brought to the attention of English Heritage.

The protesters have a good objective but many building projects were being shelved now because of the economic situation and the state of the property market, he said.

The original planning permission for the property, which has now expired, included refurbishment of the building.

"The squatters have done a great job in bringing the history of the building to everyone's attention but the next step is to talk to English Heritage," he added.

Squatter Martin said there had been "a load of important historic events that have happened here" including clockmaker John Smith and Sons taking over the site and Erasmus Darwin and Benjamin Franklin using the building for meetings.