A councillor is looking for answers on the future of an “iconic” pub that dates back almost 250 years.

The Castle, in Finchley Road, Childs Hill, has been left boarded up by its owners since it closed last year, with much of its stone facing recently removed.

Childs Hill councillor Jack Cohen wants the owners to go public with their plans for the former live music hub, which he says should be reopened as a public house.

The stalwart Liberal Democrat believes the loss of the amenity is damaging to the atmosphere of the area.

He said: “Having a pub there puts Childs Hill and Cricklewood on the map. The concern is the owners will just get some building consent for a modern building with not character.

“It is a landmark pub but if it is going to be left in this state, it is just an eyesore.”

The popular pub, formerly the Castle Inn pre-dates Finchley Road, which was built in the 1820s as a toll road.

The pub was used as a toll gate until 1871 and an English Heritage blue plaque commemorates the historic significance of the building.

Despite this, the current structure, which has been re-built over the years, is not afforded any special protection from development, though no plans have been submitted to Barnet Council.

Cllr Cohen said: “Myself and a lot of residents want to know – are they going to demolish it and, if so, what is going up in its place?

“If this pub goes and is turned into flats, we will lose a part of the area’s history.”

What are your memories of The Castle? Should it be reopened as a pub? Leave your comments below.