diff --git a/src/flash/nor/lpc2000.c b/src/flash/nor/lpc2000.c
index 15d9eb81c..0247e66df 100644
--- a/src/flash/nor/lpc2000.c
+++ b/src/flash/nor/lpc2000.c
@@ -679,9 +679,11 @@ static int lpc2000_iap_working_area_init(struct flash_bank *bank, struct working
 	}
 
 	int retval = target_write_memory(target, (*iap_working_area)->address, 4, 2, jump_gate);
-	if (retval != ERROR_OK)
+	if (retval != ERROR_OK) {
 		LOG_ERROR("Write memory at address 0x%8.8" PRIx32 " failed (check work_area definition)",
 				(*iap_working_area)->address);
+		target_free_working_area(target, *iap_working_area);
+	}
 
 	return retval;
 }