HOPES of turning a former youth club back into a community asset were dashed last night as approval was given to sell it off to a property developer.

Residents living around the Watling Boys Club in Dryfield Road, Burnt Oak had even gained the support of Hendon MP Matthew Offord in their bid to reopen the derelict site.

However, they failed to get backing from local councillors and officers, who last night signed off the disposal of the site to developer Greencourt Property Group.

Documents submitted to the cabinet resources committee say Bill Reeves, the man leading the drive had not submitted a proposal or plan for the site, which has stood empty for a decade.

Under risk management it says they “do not anticipate significant levels of public concern” over the sale, which will reduce council costs and earn revenue from the sale.

Another bidder who wanted to keep the building for community use was rejected because they wanted a “substantial” council grant in order to transform the building.

At the same meeting councillors also agreed to write off a number of historic debts owed for things like care home fees totalling more than £1.1m.

Chairing the meeting Councillor Daniel Thomas said it was time to “stop throwing good money after bad” in trying to recover the cash, with each debt less than £5,000.

A new allotment looks likely to be created after permission was given to transform wasteland in Trott Road, Finchley, which was also welcomed by Cllr Thomas.