The Alliance West Hampstead pub - leaseholder reaction to squatters

More than 2,000 residents and regulars have filled out a survey to have The Alliance in West Hampstead re-listed as an asset of community value.

The Ham&High reported last week how there had been an outpouring of community support for the Victorian pub, which closed in mid June and is now occupied with the windows covered up, and the locks changed.

Squatters have now covered the windows and posted a sign on the door saying they will call the police if anyone tries to gain entry (Image: CAMRA North London @NLondonCAMRA)

But speaking on behalf of the 999-year long leaseholder, Dr Sudesh Mittal said: "There has been considerable campaigning and publicity concerning the pub and its status as an asset of community value.

"However, an ACV listing does not, by itself, operate or financially support a pub. It does not pay the running costs, maintain or secure the building, or provide the investment required to make a struggling business commercially viable.

"When the pub business was experiencing financial difficulties, those campaigning most actively to preserve it did not provide the practical or financial support required to keep it trading.

"To date, no properly funded and deliverable proposal has been presented to us showing how the premises would be acquired, operated and maintained for the community on a sustainable basis."

The locks on the Victorian pub have been changed. (Image: CAMRA North London @NLondonCAMRA)

The Alliance was taken over by Loci Pubs in 2022 who ran it as a gastropub until its closure last month.

ACV status does not prevent a building from being redeveloped but offers the community first refusal to put together a bid to buy it if it comes up for sale.

Dr Mittal confirmed that legal proceedings are being taken to recover possession of the building from the "current unauthorised occupiers" with a notice served on the door of the pub in Mill Lane.

He added: "The property has now been entered and occupied without our permission. We are deeply concerned about the condition of the building and will not know the extent of any internal damage until lawful possession has been recovered and a full inspection can take place."

In a further message to the West Hampstead community, he warned: "Keeping a building empty and preventing any commercially realistic future use is not the same as preserving it for the community.

"A vacant and vulnerable property risks attracting squatters, antisocial behaviour, vandalism and further deterioration.

"We are now having to bear the legal, security and potential repair costs resulting from the unauthorised occupation."

He said the leaseholder's immediate priority was to recover possession of the pub, secure it and establish if any damage has been caused.

Mittal Properties will then consider any "serious, properly funded and sustainable proposal" for The Alliance.

"An ACV campaign cannot be a substitute for a viable business plan, adequate funding and practical responsibility for the building," he added.