by MATTHEW NIXSON

During the dark days of the Blitz it provided a base for air raid wardens on bomb watch.

Now the former Whetstone air raid post (ARP) is a graffiti-covered haven for the homeless and falling to ruin.

The reinforced concrete shelter, outside Brook Farm allotments in the High Road, is believed to be one of the last of its kind in the borough.

Despite opposition from the Finchley Society, a similar ARP in Finchley was demolished to make way for the Hendon County Court building.

Local historian Percy Reboul believes we should be doing more to protect our Second World War heritage.

He said: 'Posts like this one are of historical importance and should be preserved.

'It would be a tragedy if it was allowed to be demolished or fall into disrepair.'

Mr Reboul is now calling for the ARP to be preserved as a listed building. The Whetstone Society is also looking into the possibility of protecting the shelter for future generations.

Totteridge councillor Brian Coleman is unsympathetic. He branded the ARP an eyesore.

But homeless Jay Birsanger, who grew up in Chandos Avenue, Whetstone, says it has been a God-send.

He said: 'It's in a pretty poor state but it has really helped me out. The walls are really thick so there is no wind and it keeps me out of the rain.'

The 29-year-old has slept in the shelter for two weeks. He became homeless earlier this year after losing his job and Finchley flat. He added: 'I thought it was a council hut. I'm not looking to move in permanently. It's filthy, I wake up and I'm covered in dirt.'

mnixson@london.newsquest.co.uk