A group of Bushey residents are fighting to save The Royal Oak pub after planning permission has been submitted to turn it into flats.
The pub, which has been recently refurbished under new management, has been described as a “community asset” by locals.
Natalie Tebbitts is part of a group who have submitted an application to mark the pub an asset of community value and says it is much more than a “normal pub”.
She said: “The owners took over the place one year ago and ever since then, it has been the place to go. The food is amazing and so is the vibe of the place. It’s such a big part of the community.
“They always think about locals. For example, they recently gave a young girl, who normally busks for some money, her first paid performance which she loved.
“It’s little things like that which highlight what a great place it is. The pub isn’t like every normal pub, it’s much more than that.”
Natalie also shared her concerns about how the area will cope if the pub gets turned into residential homes.
She said: “If the proposal gets accepted, it will be another great loss of an amenity in the area. Yes there are other pubs in the area, but this is loved by everyone.
“It wouldn’t be practical. The road will be completely congested and I can’t start to imagine what it will be like under construction.
“There will be more people moving into the area, with one less pub to go in, no NHS dentist surgery in Bushey and the doctors will be struggling even more than they are now.”
Another thing the community loves about the pub is the fundraising work they do for charity.
On March 27, the owners organised a charity quiz night and raised over £1,200 for Care After Combat, who support veterans and their families after they have served.
The charity night which was hosted by Shaun Wallace, aka ‘The Dark Destroyer’ from The Chase, was for a charity which was chosen by the pubs customers. The night was enjoyed by all said Natalie.
What do you think about The Royal Oak possibly closing? To share your views, email newsdesk@mynewsmag.co.uk
The pub has turned out to be a great local asset. They provide a great and different offering from the other pubs in the area with regular charity events, local bands and great food.
With the new mega estates being planned in the area the last thing we need is another block of small poorly build flats squeezed into a space that was never meant for that purpose. Already the small blocks in the area are taking longer and longer to sell. There are still flats available on the old Alpine site and more going up by Bushey Station. Is Bushey to become a satellite suburb with no history or character, just a load of tiny flats and coffee shops with no community space.
I think its disgusting that they want to close The Royal Oak particularly since its only just changed hands and the improvements are amazing. We have a gem of a pub now with excellent food a fine selection of drinks and extremely friendly and helpful staff