by Nadia Sam-Daliri A derelict park mansion seeped in history is facing the bulldozers after Boris Johnson pulled the plug on its funding. The Mayor of London has ditched a promise by the last mayor Ken Livingstone to subsidise the renova

by Nadia Sam-Daliri

A derelict park mansion seeped in history is facing the bulldozers after Boris Johnson pulled the plug on its funding.

The Mayor of London has ditched a promise by the last mayor Ken Livingstone to subsidise the renovation of Dollis Hill House, in Gladstone Park, Dollis Hill, citing and saying the current financial crisis the money would be better spent on 'initiatives that improve the lives of Londoners.'

The 200-year-old Grade II listed building, a former residence of Prime Minister William Gladstone, was earmarked for demolition before the Heritage Lottery Fund swooped in with a promise of £1.25million in June.

Paul Lorber, leader of Brent Council, said: "Boris' decision is, I think, unfortunately the nail in the coffin.

"He is using the economic climate as an excuse. By the time rebuilding would be complete the climate will have changed. We're running out of money to pay for the scaffolding and the site is rat and pigeon infested.

"This was our one last ditched attempt to find a partner."

The Dollis Hill House Trust and council thought restoration was just around the corner after social enterprise group, Training for Life announced it had secured the money for a catering scheme for young, disadvantaged residents.

But the plans depended on the Greater London Authority (GLA) funding half of the remaining £4m needed for renovation.

Gill Close, chairman of the Dollis Hill House Trust, said: "It's extremely disappointing. We still believe there are opportunities though as we've got all the right people in place to make it happen."

Cllr Lena Ahmed, ward said: "The Lib Dems made extravagant promises concerning the future of Dollis Hill House. Now they will need to find the money from elsewhere."

The future of Dollis Hill House will be discussed at the council executive meeting on December 15. A spokeswoman for the Mayor of London said: "In these harsh economic times the funds could be used more effectively on other initiatives.

"The London Development Agency already runs training schemes where people from Brent can learn new skills that will help them gain employment."

However, Sarah Teather, MP for Brent East, vowed to fight for the cash needed.

She said: "Dollis Hill House is a jewel in the crown of Brent's heritage. In the current economic climate there can be few things as important as making sure people have help to get a job."

nadia.sam-daliri@archant.co.uk