Doors opened to wartime treasures

3:52pm Monday 29th July 2002

An air ventilator used to remove poison gas during the Second World War, a life-size portrait of Churchill and an escape tunnel are just some of the historical treasures buried deep within Friern Barnet Town Hall.

Barnet Council lifted its media ban to allow cameras into the listed building's basement for the first time this week.

Dr Oliver Natelson, of Hollickwood Avenue, Friern Barnet, said the building's architecture alone makes it a site of historical importance.

"The exterior is so unusual and the bricks used in the construction were specially made," he said.

"Entertainers used to come and perform on the balcony during wartime and because people were so worried the building would get bombed, they even considered camouflaging it.

"But the relics in the basement are a wonderful example of how Britain coped with wartime emergencies.

"The ventilation system was there in case there was a gas attack and if a bomb did drop, staff members would assemble in a bunker-type room with steel doors and rubber seals to keep out the poison gas."

Last month the building was granted Grade II listed status by the Department of Media, Culture and Sport, making it difficult to alter the fabric of the town hall either inside or outside.

Residents are still fearful the building will be sold off if the council decides to relocate staff to Nortel Networks in New Southgate.

Dr Natelson added: "We want the council to remain as the owners so the public can go in and enjoy all the wonderful architecture and history."