WORK to renovate a run-down Pinner house which is being transformed into a museum has come to a halt as a charity tries to raise more cash.

West House in Pinner Memorial Park was closed in the 1990s after Harrow Council could no longer afford to run it, but a project to restore the building has been going on for some time.

Charity Friends of West House have so far raised around £800,000 for the project, but work has stalled while more funds are sought.

Nick Coleman, a founder member of Friends of West House, said: "We have raised around £800,000 so far for the project, but we think it's going to cost between £1.5m to £2m to complete.

"We have reached a bit of a plateau at this stage and we will not do more work unless or until we have enough money to bring it into use."

The charity hopes to raise money to complete work from companies wanting to rent newly created office space at the top of the house, and a new cafe being built overlooking the park.

More than 200 people turned out for an open day on Saturday to see what work had been done on the structure, which will eventually house exhibits from local artist Heath Robinson.

One person taking a tour, Adrian Holdstock, 50, of Waxwell Lane, said: "I think it's an excellent idea, and I hope it's successful. I will definitely come and use the cafe as it complements the beautiful park perfectly."