Local MP Convenes Meeting to Protect Harmondsworth Barn

The medieval barn at Harmondsworth is one of the most signifcant heritage buildings in Hillingdon and is of national historical importance. In 2006 the owners of the barn went into liquidation. Both Hillingdon Council and English Heritage had the opportunity to purchase the barn for a nominal sum of £1 but declined, largely because of their anxieties about shouldering the ongoing cost of maintenance. The barn was then bought by a company based abroad.

Fearful for the future of this important building I convened a public meeting in St Mary’s Church and at that meeting we set up the Friends of Harmondsworth Barn to work to protect the long term future of the building. Local residents volunteered to negotiate with the new owners of the barn to ensure repairs were kept up to date and community access was also maintained.

Unfortunately the barn has not been maintained to the standard required by Engish Heritage and we are all increasingly worried about its future again. That is why I convened a meeting today (Friday 3 October) of representatives from the Council, English Heritage and the Friends of the Barn.

At the meeting a plan of action was agreed to ensure that the repairs and maintenance works are undetaken. This was a real breakthrough in our campaign to preserve and protect the barn for future generations.

I interviewed Phil Rumsey who is the Chair of the Friends of Harmondsworth Barn.

submitted by John on 03 Oct 2008 at 13:08