'Co-operation is the key to saving house'

The estimated £3.5 million proposals, which aims to turn the house into a community facility providing space for education, training and social and cultural functions, have been produced after extensive work by the Broomfield House Task force.

The task force hope to fund the venture through Lottery funding and the support of the public.

The troubled house which was wrecked by fire in 1984 has been the topic of much debate over the years and the process of restoring it has been a slow one.

Enfield Council has expressed its commitment to the scheme by creating funds through the proposed sale of a derelict stable block and cottages.

It is hoped the council's backing will also help to secure Lottery funding when an application is made. To secure money it will be essential to demonstrate to the Lottery board and English Heritage continuous use of the building once restored.

Enfield Southgate MP Stephen Twigg, chairman of the Broomfield Task Force, said: "I have always said raising the capital for this project is going to be extremely difficult.

"The council's decision to back the proposals is a welcome development. I have been dealing with this issue for five years but residents have been working to restore the house for 19 years.

We celebrate the centenary year of Broomfield Park this year and the restoration of the house is a big issue for residents. I think they welcome the fact that it is going to be used as a community facility and are working together to find a community-based solution."

There are fears that the site could be sold off for commercialisation and Broomfield house turned into the a pub, if ancient covenants and bye-laws are modified as agreed by Enfield Council.

But Mr Twigg added: "This is clearly an alternative card the council could play but I am strongly opposed to this plan. The task force is also working to modify the covenants in a way that doesn't remove them."

January 29, 2003 11:00