A community say they are "devastated" after a pub suddenly shut it doors earlier this month.

The Royal Oak in Bushey has been threatened with closure over the last couple of years because the owners want to convert the building into flats.

So far, Hertsmere Borough Council has refused two applications by developer Setha to redevelop the building into flats.

The pub was even refurbished, reopening under new management in the spring of 2018.

Watford Observer:

However, in recent weeks, the pub notified Setha that it would be ending its tenancy.

Natalie Tebbitts, who has helped fight to save the pub from being turned into flats said: "The local community were devastated to hear about the unexpected closure of The Royal Oak and saddened for friendly staff who lost their jobs.

"We can only hope that the premises will soon be occupied again to give us back the community asset we have been fighting so hard for for the last two years and avoid us having to witness the property be left to rot, be vandalised or taken over by squatters."

No planning permission has been granted yet for flats at The Royal Oak, but Setha does have a third application being considered and has appealed the council's second refusal.