Iain Duncan Smith MP joined celebrations at a pub as it was given protected status as an asset of community value.

The Conservatives Chingford and Woodford Green MP on Friday (December 11) visited the Cricketers Public House, in High Road, Woodford Green.

He congratulated the manager, Tim O’Sullivan, for its new protected status after a successful application to Redbridge council by pub-goers.

Now that the pub is listed, the owner must tell the council about any intention to sell so that community groups can make an offer to buy it first.

Mr Duncan Smith said: “It’s always a pleasure to pop into the Cricketers and this new status just shows how popular it is with local residents.

“I congratulate all those that are involved in running the pub, who very much deserve the excellent recognition that comes with its new protected status.”

McMullen’s have owned the pub, located near the green, since 1898.

Leader of the campaign group called “The Locals”, Bob Hughes, said that a pub has stood at the site since around 1848.

The 71-year-old has been a regular at the pub for around 35 years.