A CAMPAIGN to save a historic house from being knocked down will continue despite Brent Council earmarking it to be demolished.

The council formally approved permission to knock derelict Dollis Hill House down at a meeting on Tuesday last week (July 20).

The decision will now be referred to the Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Community and Local Government, who will decide whether the demolition of the listed building should go ahead. The mansion housed guests such as the 19th Century Prime Minister William Gladstone and American author, Mark Twain.

But Gill Close, chair of the Dollis Hill House Trust, says the campaign will continue despite the council's decision.

She said: "This devastating decision is based on weak evidence and will not stand up to scrutiny by the Secretary of State. The government policies are to save our heritage for future generations, we must not lose Dollis Hill House which forms the heart of Gladstone Park.

"It has had national significance since its famous residents, Prime Minister William Gladstone, and author Mark Twain, lived there. It has been the focus for local people as a war time hospital, café and restaurant where many celebrated important events and added to their enjoyment of the park.

"We are continuing to show why the national requirements for demolition of a listed building have not been met and to find new radical new solutions."

Plans to transform the mansion into a tea room and restaurant were scrapped and the campaign to save the building took another blow when the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, announced he would not pledge any money to its proposed generation.

The former mayor, Ken Livingstone, had promised to part-fund the restoration of the 200-year-old building.

Councillor James Powney, lead member for environment, planning and culture, said: "It costs £20,000 a year to maintain Dollis Hill House in its present derelict state and keep it safe. Unfortunately, Brent Council cannot afford £5 million to restore it, or subsidise someone else to manage it. The council has spent 16 years looking for a viable future for Dollis Hill House but sadly none has emerged."

To find out more and to support the campaign visit www.dollishillhouse.org.uk