A campaigner has called for “work to stop immediately” on the redevelopment of a historic pub in the town centre.

John Dowdle, part of the Save Watford’s Town Centre group, presented a petition signed by more than 100 people to councillors at a Watford Borough Council meeting at the town hall last night.

He was concerned that the public were “never informed” of the plans to turn The One Bell pub into flats and a restaurant and fears the development will “destroy” the surrounding St Mary’s Square and church.

Mr Dowdle said during the meeting: “I address the council on the proposed development on the One Bell and the impact it will have on the town.

“The contents of the petition call on the council to destroy the works which are destroying St Mary’s square, as it will take away almost half of the town centre square.

“We were never informed of the proposed development and the failure to consult is one of the many flaws of the development.

“It seems like a deceitful and underhand trick was played on the people of Watford. Work should be aborted immediately and it should be renovated into a community centre for the people of Watford and visitors from elsewhere.”

In response, Manny Lewis, the managing director of the council, called Mr Dowdle’s concerns “unfair”.

He said: “It is regrettable that he has made this accusation. It is unfair and unreasonable as the officers were not able to respond. At this time we have no further details.”

Cllr Iain Sharpe, who represents regeneration and development, said: “The plans went through the normal consultation process. I think it is a proactive development for the area.

“Even before it closed as a pub, it was in a bad state and did not have a good reputation.

“The important thing is to get this building back in use rather than boarded up with no real use. It will be a positive contribution to our town centre.”

However, cllr Nigel Bell took on board Mr Dowdle’s point about St Mary's Parish Church in the square, which was built in 1230.

He added: “There are important questions we need to ask about the town centre especially on the door step of the church.

“Never again should plans for the town centre be pushed through seemingly undercover.”

Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill summed up the motion by saying: “People think it is a dump. I was shocked at the state of it when I went inside.”