A GP remains locked in a dispute with NHS England over increased charges at the vacant Brunswick Park Health Centre.

Doctor Stella Okonkwo wants to move back to her former practice of 25 years, which was gutted by fire three years ago, but says she is being prevented by “grossly inflated” service fees.

The medical practitioner says site managers NHS England want to increase annual charges on the building from £5,000 to £25,000.

Chipping Barnet MP Theresa Villiers has been working to get negotiations going over recent months and on Friday met with both parties.

The Conservative politician met NHS representatives in Waterloo on Friday morning before visiting Dr Okonkwo at her current practice in a house in Osidge Lane, Brunswick Park.

In a statement, Ms Villiers said: “My constituents are frustrated that this excellent new facility for the NHS is still not in use.

“Both the representatives of NHS Property Services and Dr Okonkwo expressed a willingness to take things forward.

“I obtained an assurance from the NHS officials that they would move as swiftly as possible once terms were agreed on a lease for Dr Okonkwo to move into the health centre.

“Dr Okonkwo also said she was keen to see the issue resolved and would be happy to meet NHS officials face to face to try to resolve outstanding points regarding the potential lease and service charges.”

The health centre was gutted in 2010 by a huge fire caused by an electrical fault and has sat empty ever since, despite the recent refurbishment.

Members of the East Barnet Residents’ Association have been running a campaign to have the facility reopened, but both parties remain in deadlock.

Ms Villiers added: “There are a number of points still to be agreed, most important of which is the level of service charge.

“I will continue to encourage all concerned to get round the table together to get this resolved so my constituents can start using the new health centre.”