Campaigners are battling to save one of the oldest pubs in Watford.

The One Bell in High Street will be closing its doors for the final time on Saturday, May 14.

The Watford Observer understands the pub will be converted into a restaurant if its owner, Optadrive, agrees a sale with a potential buyer.

But people are now trying to save the venue and dozens have signed petitions calling for it to stay open.

Regular Sara Maloney is leading the campaign to save the pub and submitted an application to Watford Borough Council to get the pub listed as an asset of community value.

Giving the venue that status would mean community groups interested in buying the pub would have six months to raise the money.

Miss Maloney said: “It is a very family friendly pub and it is one of the only pubs left in the centre of Watford.

“It is part of the community. It is also one of the oldest pubs in the town and part of its history.

“I have been a visitor ever since I was a kid when my mum used to take me there and now I take my kid there to play a game of pool.

“A lot of people want this pub to stay open.”

Along with The Oddfellows in Fearnley Street, and The Moon Under Water, High Street, The One Bell is one of the main pubs used by thousands of away fans travelling to watch their football teams play at Vicarage Road.

Landlady Jo Selley told the Watford Observer: “It is an iconic place in the town.

“It is part of Watford’s history. There are only three traditional pubs left in Watford. That is us, The One Crown and The Horns.

“It would be a big shame to lose a big part of Watford’s history."

Three members of staff will need to find new jobs while four tenants who live above the pub will also need to find new homes.

Ms Selley added: “There have been people walking past, who do not usually come in and have a drink, signing the petition. They are people who see the pub as an important part of Watford.

“We have a really family-friendly pub.

“This is the oldest licensed premises in the town dating back to 1750. It is also a Grade-II listed building and it is in the conservation area of the church.”

Watford Borough Council will make its decision on whether the pub should be listed as an asset of community value in late March, according to Miss Maloney.

Councillor Michael Haley, who represents Central ward, said: “I think it would be a shame if it closes as a well-known pub in the centre of town.”