The MP for Tottenham has written to the leader of Haringey Borough Council in support of a campaign to save a 161-year-old pub in his constituency.

David Lammy MP wrote to Councillor Claire Kober urging her to grant the Antwerp Arms, in Church Road, community asset status.

The pub's owner, Enterprise Inns, has put the building up for sale with the hope of developing it into housing.

However, a campaign group called the Antwerp Arms Association, made up of concerned residents, has put in the application in an attempt to save the pub, where pints have been poured since 1852.

In the letter, Mr Lammy said it is important to save the pub as it serves as a community hub.

He wrote: “As the Member of Parliament for Tottenham, I strongly support the application for community asset status by the Antwerp Arms Association and would urge Haringey Council to do the same.

“Community pubs such as the Antwerp Arms serve as valued community hubs and at a time where streets are increasingly dominated by a small range of shops, it is important that we make use of the available mechanisms to preserve the pub.”

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.

Mr Lammy added that the campaign to save the Antwerp Arms has received a large amount of support from fans of Tottenham Hotspur FC.

He wrote: “The pub has the added advantage of being within close proximity to White Hart Lane and is a meeting place for Tottenham Hotspur fans on match days.

“As a result, the campaign has also attracted the support of the club-backed Tottenham Hotspur Supporters Group.

“This is a real opportunity for a community victory in Tottenham. Therefore I would urge you to back Antwerp Arms Association's application.”

Council leader, Cllr Kober, said it would be inappropriate of her to comment on an active application.

She said: “It wouldn’t be appropriate to comment on an active application, but of course we welcome local people coming together to protect buildings important to the community and to preserve local heritage.”