GUTTED neighbours have said that they are 'saddened' by the demolition of a landmark Berkshire pub this week following its closure several years ago.

Located in Winkfield village, the Squirrels was a popular meeting place for people frequenting the polo club and for locals in the area.

Construction workers were first seen at the site on Tuesday, August 15 where half of the structure had already been torn to the ground.

Among the rubble were some of the original fixtures that remained upon closure.

This included a still intact chalkboard that states their previous dining hours and a sign asking residents to ‘respect neighbours by keeping noise to a minimum’ - alongside its Spanish translation!

On Tuesday, August 15, a Sunninghill resident captured the first stage of demolition on one side of the property.

The News returned 24 hours later where sadly the first floor of the building had already been swept away by machinery still present at the site.

Sunninghill resident, Tracey Anne Avalos, who began to frequent the pub in 1990 said: “I’m very saddened at the loss of the pub. It was greed that closed it down and it was such a hub for the local community not just the polo crowd but the people living by it.

“It was the closest social place and some of the elderly residents relied on it. It was an old building and so unnecessary in my opinion!”

The demolition has caused quite an uproar on social media, as people consider whether nesting sparrows were present in the eaves of the deserted building.

Due to the decline in the population of sparrows and nesting birds, they have been given an endangered status.

Further research into this is being undertaken by The News.