The White Horse, a former Chadwell Heath pub which earlier this month closed its doors to customers after 400 years, has been put on the market for £4 million.

The property listing boasts of “potential for comprehensive redevelopment”, noting it could become either fully residential or a “mixed use scheme.”

It does, however, note the building is also licensed as a drinking establishment.

The advert, which is listed with “prolific investment and development agents” Kingsbury Consultants, directs planning queries to Barking and Dagenham Council.

Following the closure there was outrage from members of the community and the Post was flooded with accounts of first dates, first pints, parties and family lunches.

A petition calling for the pub to remain as a drinking establishment has gained over 500 signatures and there is a Facebook group dedicated to its survival.

One former punter, Vic Godfrey-Bonnici said: “Our history in this area is slowly being erased. I’ve been a regular for years, have several friends who have worked there, I’ve performed there with my band and even met my husband in the pub.

“I would like the pub to remain as a drinking establishment so my husband and I can take out children in there one day to show them where mummy and daddy met, but sadly this won’t happen if it’s turned into houses.

“My husband even has the postcode on a necklace I bought him when we started going out. He wears it every day!”