Illegal sheds have been erected at the site of a Grade II listed church and its grounds have been littered.

Debre-Genet Holy Trinity Church in St Michael’s Road, Cricklewood, has been issued a warning after one frustrated local reported a longstanding issue of rubbish plaguing the churchyard.

Designed by John Samuel Alder and built in 1910, the Grade II listed building near Gladstone Park is in “immediate risk of further rapid deterioration”, Historic England said.

But Patrizia Canonero, who has lived across the road for 38 years, says she was appalled by what she called its worsening state ever since the parish of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church took over in recent years.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The two sheds by the churchThe two sheds by the church (Image: Patrizia Canonero)

She informed Historic England in April that two sheds have been built and said that litter issues have been lasting for months.

She explained to the Brent & Kilburn Times: “I pass the road every day to get to the park.

“Since the Ethiopian community took over it has been a nightmare. First it wasn’t so bad, but in the last few months they started putting up these tents and buildings.

“It’s such an appalling and disgusting sight, it’s just unbelievable.”

Brent & Kilburn Times: A tent by the churchA tent by the church (Image: Patrizia Canonero)

According to the local, it used to be a “fantastic” church that was kept in a “beautiful” state.

She added: “When I bought my flat 38 years ago I saw the church and I thought it looked so lovely, like old England. It was actually built the year my mother was born 1910, and now that front is a disgrace.”

Along with the unauthorised units, broken bags have been left scattered at the site and she believes it is attracting foxes and possibly rats.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Litter near the churchLitter near the church (Image: Patrizia Canonero)

Brent Council said that it warned the church on June 3 that these issues must be remedied within 14 days.

Alice Lester, corporate director for neighbourhoods and regeneration at Brent Council, said: “The council has been made aware that sheds have been installed in the grounds of Debre-Genet Holy Trinity Church and that the gardens were full of rubbish.

“Following an investigation, we have written to the church asking for the sheds and rubbish to be removed.

“Formal action will be considered if they are not removed.”

The church has been contacted for comment.