End of the road for stars’ car museum

 
Classic models: museum founder Elo. His collection contains J-Lo’s Aston Martin and a Robin like Del Boy’s
The London Motor Museum in Hillingdon, which has 50,000 visitors a year, is under threat of closure thanks to a dispute with Hillingdon council.The council has imposed a £130,000 business rates bill saying it no longer meets the requirements for discretio

The London Motor Museum which has 50,000 visitors a year to see its 200 rare cars is fighting for survival.

Run by former model Elo, the attraction is said to face closure after Hillingdon council imposed a £130,000 business rates bill.

The museum, which runs charitable events and is a popular destination for school visits, successfully applied to Hillingdon for discretionary rates relief in 2010 because it is registered as a Community Interest Company.

But Hillingdon — which says the relief was subject to confirmation -—has withdrawn it, alleging that the museum does not qualify. The council is demanding payment of the bill which the museum says it cannot afford.

Elo with a Ford GT40 supercar
The London Motor Museum in Hillingdon, which has 50,000 visitors a year, is under threat of closure thanks to a dispute with Hillingdon council.The council has imposed a £130,000 business rates bill saying it no longer meets the requirements for discretio

The museum has backing from high-profile supporters including ex-QPR player Chris Samba and Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o. Gary Lineker urged his 1.9 million Twitter followers to support the museum, saying it was “way too good to lose”.

The collection includes J-Lo’s former Aston Martin DB7, rapper Snoop Dogg’s “Snoop-de-Ville”, Robert Maxwell’s Bentley S2 Continental, a Del Boy Robin Reliant Regal and cars that starred in Batman Returns, along with classic and customised models.

Flash: Elo with Batmobiles at London's motor museum

The museum, founded on the proceeds of Elo’s career when he posed for brands including Reebok and Oswald Boateng, says it more than fulfills its role as a Community Interest Company. Elo, who also runs a customising business, says he averages one free school visit a week and that he helped establish the “Explore Hayes” initiative to encourage more visitors. He says the museum holds frequent open days.

Hillingdon council says it is not satisfied that the museum is being run as a not-for-profit organisation. Jonathan Bianco, Hillingdon cabinet member, said: “We are not forcing the closure of this company.

“During the appeal proceedings the council carefully considered the company’s ‘not for profit’ status, as well as the cost to the council taxpayer of providing relief, before refusing their application. They also owe money which could be spent on frontline services. We have no option other than to minimise further losses to the taxpayer.”

The museum appealed against the decision but lost. It takes its fight to the High Court next month. “We do much for the community,” said Elo. “It would be a massive loss for the area.”

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