MP Theresa Villiers is asking Barnet Council to step up efforts to tind a solution to the fire ravaged Jester pub in New Barnet. The now derelict building closed in 2013 and a blaze severely damaged it in 2018.
Since then, two planning applications have been lodged to redevelop the site with flats and a day care nursery. Both have been refused or withdrawn.
As the years have passed, the site has become increasingly derelict, with rats, littering and fly tipping commonplace.
Theresa has been in touch with the council several times over the years and action has been taken to try to address issues such as hoardings, litter, flytipping and safety. Enforcement proceedings have been underway in the criminal courts against the owners of the Jester for some months and an appeal is due at the end of October
“It is frustrating that this issue remains unresolved nearly ten years after the pub closed,” said Theresa. “A solution needs to be found."
“Not only is it an eyesore, but it looks unsafe. I regularly receive complaints about the state of the Jester from constituents worried about children potentially coming to harm if they were to get into the site."
“I welcome the enforcement action which has been taken by the council. I appreciate that legal processes often move slowly. But I really hope that we can get to the point soon when decisions can be made on the future of the building and progress can be made towards remedying this longstanding problem for neighbouring residents."
“Retention of a pub or other community use is clearly important, but there may be some scope for some residential units as well. It really is time for this to be sorted out."
