RESIDENTS have said they will fight to save a historic community building in Finchley.

After hearing about the financial deficit Avenue House in East End Road faces, visitors of the estate said “community spirit” and “unique fundraising ideas” are needed to keep it afloat.

Chairman of Avenue House Estate Trust, Bill Tyler said it is seeing a reduced number of clients and bookings for events.

However, he said the extent of the estate’s plight was realised last year after losing around £35,000 in its annual funding when former tenants lost funding and had to vacate the grade II listed mid Victorian mansion.

Mr Tyler said: “The estate is in a crisis.

“We are desperately short of income on a regular basis and we are appealing to the local community to help in any way they can both in the short term and the long term – we need your help.”

Eager to lend a helping hand sixteen people signed up to re-establish the Avenue House Friends Group which was originally launched by manager of the trust, Janett Durrant.

Sandra Rebak, a Finchley resident who joined the group, said: “Avenue House is a community resource and a much loved hidden gem which we want to protect.

“Our aim primarily will be to raise money to keep the house and its grounds open but we will also elect a fundraising group.”

The friends group will hold its first meeting on Tuesday March 1 at 7.30pm at Avenue House.

For more information or to join the group email avenuehousefriends@yahoo.co.uk