THE MP for Hendon and his puppy joined fellow dog owners to present a petition to the Mayor of Barnet against plans to get rid of a gazebo in Hendon.

Matthew Offord has thrown his support behind the campaign to save the wooden shelter which forms part of the Sunny Hill Café in Watford Way.

Eytan Grunberg has been running the café for ten years and built the freestanding structure for park users and their pets whilst carrying out reconstruction on the main building.

Mr Grunberg had planning permission for the renovation and expansion of the main building which a Barnet Council spokesperson said balanced the needs of the café and Sunny Hill Park.

However, the spokesperson said the gazebo, built at the side of the building, goes “beyond the agreed boundary” and must therefore be removed by the end of February.

Mr Grunberg has subsequently applied for additional planning permission which is yet to be considered.

He also launched the petition, received by Councillor Anthony Finn on behalf of the council, which currently has over 700 signatures against the structure’s removal.

Mr Offord uses the park regularly and said he plans to use the gazebo with his nine-weeks-old Jack Russell, Max.

He said: “As someone who lives locally I think it’s an asset to the park.

“I understand the council have to abide by planning controls but I would like them to take the petition into consideration and look favourably on it.”

Hendon resident Jeff Lloyd uses the gazebo at least twice a week with his wife Lynne Lloyd and their seven-years-old poodle, Sophie.

Mr Lloyd said: “The gazebo is an all round boom to the community – everyone loves it and it would be against all common sense to get rid of it.”

In an effort to save the structure Mr Grunberg had also contacted Councillor Brian Coleman, cabinet member for environment, believing he might be able to help.

However, Cllr Coleman replied: “I am not involved and you must deal with Officers, it is inappropriate to write to me.”

Mr Grunberg said: “I was shocked to get a reply like this from someone who is supposed to be a public figure.

“It’s rude and just shows he couldn’t care less.”