SIDCUP residents fighting to save the iconic Black Horse pub in the high street have launched a petition.

Those desperate to save the locally listed building from demolition also handed out more than 50 letters to nearby businesses and residents encouraging them to submit comments against the plans.

Hillingdon Developments submitted proposals this month to demolish the pub and replace it with a Waitrose supermarket and 84-bedroom Travelodge.

The plans include a promise from developers to replicate the original frontage of the 300 year-old building but residents ask why they must accept this when the real thing is already there.

Rinka Halliday, 67, said: “Sidcup would not have existed without the Black Horse and we will do everything in our power to ensure it remains as part of our heritage.

“Most people I have spoken to were still under the illusion the building was at last to be cared for and were anticipating a return to its original glory - they were furious to hear of these new plans.”

Comments on the proposal should be submitted to Bexley Council by October 26 and a public meeting of the planning committee takes place on November 3.

Visit Bexley.gov.uk/service/planning to comment, selecting ‘Public Access’ on the left hand side and searching for the application.