Residents who are battling plans to destroy their beloved Willesden pub have handed over a petition to a council representative boasting more than 4,000 signatures.

Cllr Michael Pavey, Lead Member for Children and Families, met with supporters of the Save the Queensbury Pub campaign, who have lobbied town hall bosses to reject controversial plans which would see the popular pub in Walm Lane reduced to rubble.

Ian Britton of the Save the Queensbury campaign told the Times he hopes that council chiefs do not ignore “popular public opinion.”

He added: “It [the petition] shows there are strong views and feelings towards the building which is a huge asset to the local community.

“We hope the planning department listen to our voice and refuses permission for the building to be demolished.”

The pub in Walm Lane is home to various community groups including baby and parent groups including Dizzy Rascals.

“It is a fantastic pub and community groups like Busy Rascals hold their sessions their so it would be sad to see it go,” Cllr Pavey said.

He added: “It is absolutely imperative for the group to continue its work. We need more family support group in the borough like this and I would like to see their base remain.”

Under current proposals, the public house would be replaced with tower block of flats with a community space such as a café or restaurant in order to accommodate the groups.

Fairview Homes, which owns the pub, withdrew an application to replace the pub with a 10-storey tower block in June.

In December, the building was granted the Asset of Community Value status, giving it additional protection from development under the Localism Act 2011 –but still faces the wrath of a wrecking ball.

The campaign has drawn support from a host of known names including Sarah Teather, Lib Dem MP for Brent Central, former Mayor of London and Cricklewood-resident Ken Livingstone and boyband The Wanted.

The Times is currently awaiting a response from the development company.