A community hall and car park at risk of being sold have been saved following a campaign by residents.

Harrow Council leader Cllr Graham Henson (Lab, Roxbourne) confirmed yesterday (Tuesday, April 27) that Belmont Community Centre and Kingshill Car Park will be retained.

The sites had been earmarked for potential redevelopment as part of a council scheme to raise funds by disposing of properties that were deemed “surplus to requirements”, had “little retention value”, or required “significant expenditure” to maintain.

At a council cabinet meeting in March, councillors agreed to review the plans for Belmont Community Centre – an announcement that sparked a campaign to preserve it.

The Belmont Community Association (BCA) wrote to Harrow Council outlining its concerns, including a lack of consultation with residents and fears the promise of a new community facility as part of any redevelopment would be inadequate.

It noted the “historic importance” of the hall – including its former use as a restaurant during the Second World War – and the overall value it has to local people.

“The huge uncertainty and anxiety this has created among the most vulnerable within our diverse community who rely on the hall’s facilities cannot be underestimated,” the group added.

Harrow Council acknowledged the influence of the BCA, and its ‘Save the Belmont Hall’ campaign, in reaching its decision and welcomed continued dialogue with the group going forward.

Cllr Henson said: “We have listened to the local residents, campaigners, stakeholders and fully considered their views and aspirations.

“We also very much recognise the resource, history and heritage the current Belmont Community Hall offers.

“So, after due evaluation of the development potential of the two sites and our positive engagement with the campaigners of the Belmont Community Hall, stakeholders and local residents I’m delighted with our decision that the current Belmont Community Hall and the car park be retained.”