I go often to Avenue House, in Finchley, and over the years have watched its decline with great sadness. How can a borough sit and watch this happen to a building steeped in tradition as it is, and one to be proud of in its service to charitable organisations?

After the excellent fire damage restoration, the building was promoted as a venue of excellence, though the marketing left much to be desired. The Citizens' Jury saved it from becoming awash with irate wedding reception parties finding nowhere to park, and from clashing with the good citizens of Finchley, out in their favourite gardens, which they still believe is theirs in spite of politicians claiming it for the whole borough.

The corner seemed to have been turned, with the management set to be taken over by a trust of local citizens with the estate as their only concern, and with the approval of the Charity Commissioners. I understand this should have happened some months ago, but there seems to be a stalemate, and the house and gardens are becoming tragically vandalised as no-one is caring for them.

Barbara Warren

Wentworth Avenue, Finchley

November 7, 2001 18:39