CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save a town hall from being turned into houses presented a petition to councillors.

Members of the Hornsey Town Hall Appreciation Society are determined to turn the 1930s art-deco hall, in Hornsey, into an arts centre.

They spoke about their plight at a full council meeting in the civic offices, Wood Green, where they presented a 2,500 signature petition to councillors.

David Winskill, who lives in Crouch End, said: “It all went brilliantly. We got a warm reception from the council and thought it went well.

“We understand the council and constrained by rules but we did feel they were supportive of our aims and objectives.

“We weren’t sure how the councillors would react because we’ve not had much feedback from the, before, but we are pleased with their reaction.”

Last week, Haringey Council published a notice saying 123 homes could be built on the site, the same day it announced developers could bid for the land.

Haringey Council plan to sell the hall and the car park but the society say the car park could be sold separately and the money could be used to save the town hall.

During the meeting, Miriam Levin and Chris Currer, part of the HTHAS, told councillors about their vision for the hall’s future.

They said they hope to influence and encourage the new owner of the town hall to turn it into an arts centre.

The Grade II listed building could cost around £12million to restore.

Mr Winskill added: “There’s such a love and affection for the building and we want to make sure that it fills its potential for our community.

“There’s a big interest in its future. This hall has been at the centre of Hornsey for exactly 80 years. It’s got a fantastic potential - not just to Haringey but also to north London.”

Mr Winskill says he has an emotive connection to the town hall as it forms one of his earliest memories.

The 60-year-old said: “I remember being in the pushchair while my mother took me to the town hall to get my free orange juice.

“I had my first proper job there, I collected my O-level certificates there and have seen countless pantomimes there. I’ve got a big life connection to it.”

The campaign has also been supported by Labour MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, Catherine West.

Councillor Alan Strickland, Haringey Council’s cabinet member for housing and regeneration, says the authority is committed to finding the right future for the town hall.