The chairman of a campaign group trying to save a 161-year-old pub in Tottenham wants it to become a hub for the community.

Chris Lane, of the Antwerp Arms Association, has applied for Haringey Borough Council to grant the Antwerp Arms, in Church Road, community asset status.

The application was made after the pub's owner, Enterprise Inns, put the building up for sale in June with the hope of developing it into housing.

The Antwerp Arms, in Church Road, Tottenham

Mr Lane argues that the pub, which has stood at the site since 1852, is a big draw for the area.

He said: “There are so many things in the area that worth a visit and the pub is one of them so if we lose it then it pushes us further into the backwaters.

“Lots of people visit the pub on match days and it is important to make Tottenham a fantastic destination, especially after the riots.

“It’s not just about drinking. Were the pub to host community events for people of all ages and be a place where people come together.”

If the building is successfully listed as an asset the council must be made aware of any decision to sell it.

The authority can then initiate a holding period of between six weeks and six months should the community group wish to buy the pub.

Members of the group are considering organising a shared ownership scheme so people in the community can buy shares in the pub.

The association is also applying for a grant from the Plunkett Foundation which supports co-operatives and social enterprises in communities around the world.

Mr Lane added that since the group was set up in June the number of supporters has continued to increase.

He said: “During our first meeting we had more than 100 people turn up and more and more keep getting in touch saying they want to help.

“There is obviously demand for the pub to stay so we are trying to organise ourselves properly and take action.

“We won’t just be losing a lovely building if the pub goes, I think we would have lost a part of the community.”

The decision on whether or not the pub will be granted community asset statues will be given on September 9.

Last week, the MP for Tottenham, David Lammy, wrote to the council leader Councillor Claire Kober urging her to support the association’s efforts to save the pub.

Cllr Kober said it would be inappropriate to comment on an active application.