An online petition aiming to prevent a landmark pub from development has attracted more than 400 signatures.

The future of the Heathcote Arms in Grove Green Road, Leytonstone, remains unclear following its closure last month.

Owner Stonegate has confirmed the building has been sold, but has refused to divulge who to.

The Land Registry still sows the pub operator as the owner.

The petition on Change.org is calling for the council to ensure the building remains as a pub by blocking any application for a change of use.

Emma Griffiths, who organised the petition, said council leader Chris Robbins has pledged his support for the campaign.

Supporter Florence Collins said: “The Heathcote has been a pillar of the community all of my life.

 “For the Heathcote to no longer be there is a disgrace to Leytonstone and the history this area has.

“We've had the M11 Link road, the Olympics and many other changes and the Heathcote has always remained a constant. New flats can't offer that to our community.”

Supporter Clive Rowley wrote: “This pub is the heart of the community and an important landmark building that has survived wars.

The Heathcote is one of many pubs to close in just a few months, including the Royston Arms in Chingford and the Lord Rookwood in Leytonstone.

For more on this story, see this week's Guardian - out Thursday.