The future of a historic pub is uncertain following the announcement that it will close for the first time since 1860.

Tom King, 72, has announced that The Herschel Arms will be closing its doors this month after rent couldn't be agreed with the landowner.

The historic building on Park Street holds many fond memories, with musicians and travellers passing through and generations of loyal customers.

Speaking about the closure, Tom said: "I’m worried about it [Herschel Arms] being wrecked – we have so many memories in there. Not just mine – predominantly customers.”

READ MORE: Landlord gets ready to say sad goodbye to beloved landmark pub

Tom also expressed concern about what will happen to a mural painted on the side of the pub, which pays tribute to loyal customers, staff and family who have passed away.

Slough Observer:

Speaking to Slough Borough Council, the Observer discovered that the Herschel Arms is currently classed as an asset of community value.

The Herschel Arms was given this title after nominations in 2019 which deemed it to have uses that further the social wellbeing or social interests of the local community.

It means that the owner of the Herschel Arms cannot sell it or grant a lease of more than 25 years without advising the council.

If the council is told that an asset on the list is for sale, they will write to those who nominated the asset and advertise the proposed sale on the council webpage.

A formal application to acquire the asset can then be submitted within six weeks of the notice, in which time the owner cannot sell it.

If no applications are received within six weeks, the owner can go ahead and sell the asset privately.

If an application is approved by the council, the owner will be advised that the asset cannot be sold for a further six months pending the community group raising capital and submitting a credible business plan.

The protection runs for five years when nominations can reopen to keep the asset on the list.

It is believed that as of April 2024 the Herschel Arms will no longer be classed as an asset to the local community.

A Slough Borough Council spokesperson added that the Herschel Arms isn't a Historic England listed building.

The council spokesperson said: "It does not show up as a listed building on the Historic England site, but does appear to be locally listed within our own Local Development Plan.

"This means that any development to or around the building would require the heritage of the building to be considered during the planning process to prevent loss of an asset of value to the community."