Campaigners trying to save an iconic pub have voiced their relief after it was removed from an online auction website.

The Red Lion pub, opposite Watford FC’s stadium in Vicarage Road, in Watford, is a well-known supporter’s pub but has been closed since January 2014.

Campaigners had the pub listed as a community asset last September and were given six months to find the £1 million needed to buy the pub.

Michael Peters, a CAMRA member and campaigner, said: “It would be a massive asset for the town to keep it as a pub.”

Rooms above the pub are currently up for auction, with an advert on London and National stating there is a freehold development opportunity with the sale.

The auction website said the building is subject to planning permission for a new build of eight flats in the car park, with a decision expected by April 6.

It also says that there is further potential to build flats above the commercial area and in the stables but are all subject to obtaining necessary consent.

This news shocked and worried both residents and councillors of the Vicarage Road ward.

Watford Borough councillor Jagtar Singh Dhindsa, who represents the area, said it would be devastating if the pub was put up for auction.

Current owner Julian Tendler bought the pub in July 2015 and said he was considering selling after being approached by several interested parties.

However, Current owner Tendler has now told the council that the property has been withdrawn from the auction, which was due to take place on April 20.

Lorna Byrne from Planning Potential, a planning consultancy acting for Mr Tendler, confirmed an agreement has been reached with “experienced” operators.

She said: “We are pleased that the Red Lion will be brought back into licensed use and we expect it to reopen following refurbishment later this year.

“The new pub operators will occupy the premises at ground and basement levels and we propose to use the first floor to provide residential accommodation which will have a separate access at ground floor level.”

In January this year an application to build eight flats on land adjoining the pub was submitted to Watford Borough Council.

Watford Borough Council says the application to develop the rooms above the pub has now expired and the planning application is now for the old Paddock land near the pub.

The planning committee will discuss the application to develop the land next to the pub on Thursday April 7.