An attempt to save a historic pub from demolition has ended in disappointment.

The Castle Pub, in Childs Hill, Cricklewood, will now be destroyed and replaced with flats after Barnet Borough Council's ruling Conservative group voted not to list it as a community asset.

For Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors who have spent months campaigning to save it, the news came as a shock.

Liberal Democrat Jack Cohen said: “It is a shame, because there is such a lovely community in Child’s Hill.

“People are upset about it. I for one and bitterly disappointed, and if I am in a position of power at the next elections, I’ll insist it is looked at again.”

Cllr Cohen previously told the Times Series that pubs are the “focal point” of the community and bring people into the area to help the economy.

The popular pub, formerly known as the Castle Inn, is older than the Finchley Road, which was built in the 1820s as a toll road.

It dates back over 250 years and was used as a toll gate until 1871. An English Heritage blue plaque commemorates the building's historic significance.

But what was once a lively and popular rock music venue has been boarded up and derelict for the last two years.

The bid was rejected by Barnet Council’s commissioning board and Councillor Robert Rams, despite having widespread support.

Last year, The Bohemia, in North Finchley, was listed as a community asset and many are now asking why The Castle could not be afforded the same status.

Childs Hill Labour party candidates Ade Ajakaiye, Nila Patel and Andrew Smith are now campaigning to have all of Barnet’s pubs listed as assets.

Mr Smith said: “We are disappointed that our application was rejected, particularly as it had the support of so many local people.

“We have major concerns about the proposal to knock down the building and replace it with expensive multi-storey housing.

"We believe that meaningful consultation and the needs of residents need to be central to all local decision making.”

But Cllr Rams believes the pub would be better used as housing for the community.

He said: “As someone who has visited the pub many times, this is not an example of what should be listed as a community asset.”