The station in Dětřichov near Bruntál is to be saved by a petition

Dětřichov nad Bystřicí - The station in Dětřichov in the Bruntál region is to be saved from the planned demolition by a petition. The signature campaign has been launched these days by Hnutí Duha Jeseníky. Ivo Dokoupil, its coordinator, said this to ČTK today. The movement had previously asked the Railway Administration (SŽ) about the site, wanting to find a new use for it. They were unsuccessful, as they reportedly submitted the request too late.

"Only barbarians destroy cultural values that have been preserved and built by our ancestors. Our region has unfortunately been significantly affected by the actions of the communists, we encounter ruins of churches, villages, and houses everywhere. Therefore, we do not want to passively watch as the Railway Administration ignores the historical value of technical buildings and centuries-old stations," Dokoupil stated. He added that the organization is currently saving a Gothic church in Pelhřimovy and a community hall in Karlovice. "We hope that the petition will prompt officials and politicians to take action," he said.

SŽ plans to demolish the building, for which a new dispatch building is already being constructed nearby. A parking lot is set to be created where the current station is located. The cost of demolition is around 6.2 million crowns. Hnutí Duha Jeseníky is requesting a grant of five million crowns for repairs and argues that this way, 1.2 million crowns would be saved and the building would be preserved.

According to the statement of its spokesperson Tomáš Polák, the Railway Administration is already planning the demolition. The local authorities support it as well. "After consulting with the representatives of Dětřichov, we will ultimately proceed to remove the existing station and construct a new dispatch building," Polák said. He stated that the condition of the building is unsatisfactory and that repair is not feasible. If the building were not removed, there would be no space for establishing parking spaces, especially for the disabled. "Furthermore, we would not be able to build a shelter for passengers, which is supposed to connect with the newly constructed dispatch building," he said.

Dokoupil stated that the building can be saved. He aims to find a new use for it, perhaps converting it into a tourist hostel or a space for exhibitions and concerts.

The plan of the Railway Administration is also supported by the local leadership. "The station only disfigures the village. It was an embarrassment when it appeared among the 20 worst stations in the Czech Republic. We are glad it will be taken down. For decades, no investment has been made in the building," said Jiří Dobrovič, the deputy mayor of Dětřichov, to ČTK earlier.

However, Alena Borovcová from the National Heritage Institute disagrees with the demolition. According to her, SŽ should rather seek new uses for historical buildings. The building could find its use precisely in tourism. "The Olomouc - Bruntál line is very nice and leads through a tourist-attractive area. The station buildings are historical and unique. The proposed drastic construction interventions completely devastate the atmosphere of the line," said certified designer Karel Siuda.