'Eyesore' sandbags removed from city island

Sandbags at one of Derby's busiest traffic hotspots, which had been branded an "eyesore", have been removed.

Concerns were raised that the large sacks made Cockpit Island – one of the city centre's main gateways – look like a "builder's yard".

Derby City Council put them in place 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".

When he moved into the island in 2025, Bullock said he had 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, council chiefs said he could not stay in the spot over concerns for his safety and other drivers.

He was removed before taking up occupancy at another of the city's traffic islands.

The bags were then put on Cockpit Island to prevent further occupancy or parking – although the Labour-led council stressed their appearance was "not ideal" and not permanent.

Workers have now been seen removing the bags and placing yellow barriers at the location instead.

It is expected permanent bollards will take their place in the future, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The bags' removal was confirmed by councillor Sarah Chambers on social media, where she 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."

Meanwhile, 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."

The removal of the sandbags comes just days after it was reported Bullock had been served with a court injunction.

Over the past year, he has been seen living on Pentagon Island and a traffic island near Asda in Spondon, as well as Cockpit Island.

An email seen from the city council's legal team says the one-year legal order prevents him from occupying land in Derby without permission, causing a nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

Earlier this week Derby City Council welcomed the injunction served on 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."

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