Residents could be pulling their own pints after a pub near Radlett was listed as an asset of community value by Hertsmere Borough Council.

Letchmore Heath locals have been given the opportunity to stake a claim on The Three Horseshoes in the first case of its kind in Hertsmere.

A charity, community interest company, or non-profit making company or society can submit a written request to be treated as a potential bidder for the pub in The Green, under new Government legislation.

The opportunity comes after Aldenham Parish Council nominated the 400-year-old building to be listed as a community value asset.

Aldenham Parish Council manager Peter Evans said they were approached by residents who wanted to get "some sort of protection", as they felt there was a possibility the pub may not be a pub for much longer.

Mr Evans added: "We felt it was something we should support the local parishioners with."

Now, the property cannot be sold before July 22 giving local groups a chance to submit their interest in purchasing it.

Councillor Dr Harvey Cohen, portfolio holder for localism and planning, said: "The Community Right to Bid legislation was brought in to help communities faced with losing their local amenities or buildings that are important to them.

"Under the legislation, local groups have the right to nominate a building to be listed as an asset of community value.

"We agreed to add The Three Horseshoes to that list, because it is important for the social wellbeing and recreational interests of the village."

The borough council received a petition with more than 150 signatories and more than 30 letters in support of listing the pub as a community asset.

Dr Cohen added: "It doesn’t mean the pub will be sold to the community, but it does mean the community gets the chance to prepare a proposal and raise the funds to put in an offer."

If a community interest group submits a request to be treated as a potential bidder before Monday, July 22, then they will have until Tuesday, December 10 to put a bid together.

The pub cannot be sold before that day except to a community interest group.

The owners are free to dispose of the pub as they wish after December 10, and first refusal does not need to be given to a community interest group.

If no request is received before July 22, the owners will be free to sell the pub.

For more information visit www.hertsmere.gov.uk/communityrighttobid