Balloons flew high above a Willesden Green pub as residents and councillors came out to demonstrate the blight a ten-storey tower will be on the neighbourhood.

The balloons, attached to a 30 metre length of string, were floated above the Queensbury Pub on Walm Lane, in a bid to save the popular pub from destruction.

The campaign, a joint effort between the Save the Queensbury campaigners, councillors and residents is the latest to stop Fairview Homes from redeveloping the site.

Ian Elliott, speaking on behalf of the Save The Queensbury group, said: “What we have seen today illustrates why we have campaigned for over two years - a ten storey tower simply does not belong on this site, in a conservation area. We want to keep The Queensbury and prefer a development that keeps the existing building, not one that demolishes it.”

The issue will go before the council inspectorate at the end of January.

Earlier this month, Save The Queensbury were confirmed as a “Rule 6″ party, allowing them to be an active partner at the inquiry with the power to cross examine witnesses, including the council and Fairview Homes.

Brent Council decided in March this year that permission should not be granted to demolish 110 Walm Lane, where the pub is situated.

Mapesbury councillors Lia Colacicco and Ahmad Shazad, and Willesden Green councillor Bernard Collier were amongst the supporters present.

Cllr Colacicco said: “We are in a conservation area where they are trying to build this 10 storey building. It demonstrates to the planning inspectorate just how imposing this structure will be and from how far it will be seen. This is just the thin edge of the wedge for conservation areas as once this comes up it will set a precedent.”