The proposed expansion and redevelopment of an historic pub is tantamount to the destruction of the town square, according to one campaigner.  

John Dowdle, part of the Save Watford’s Town Centre group, described the plans to turn The One Bell into flats and a restaurant as “cultural vandalism”.

“This proposed extension will wreck the existing town square – Watford’s last viable open space along the high street,” he said.

“And this existing building – Watford’s longest continuously licenced premises since 1851 – and the town square are being subjected to this act of cultural vandalism.

“We must all do whatever we can to save Watford’s sole remaining open space and remaining town square.”

Watford Observer:

Plans to transform The One Bell into a restaurant and flats have been submitted

The group will gather outside the High Street pub on Saturday, September 9, collecting signatures for their petition.

On the other hand, Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill recently welcomed the decision to transform the ailing watering hole.

“After its closure I took part in a site visit to The One Bell pub and was absolutely shocked by what I saw,” she said.

“The condition of the building was dreadful - not to mention the smell - and clearly significant work will have to be done to enable this near-derelict building to be re-opened to the public.

“I’m delighted that the current owners plan to convert the disused pub into a restaurant, and I know they will definitely do justice to a much loved historic building.”