East London politicians have accused Wetherspoons of only thinking about the "bottom line" after a historic pub announced its closure.

The George, in Wanstead, will have its final day of trading as a JD Wetherspoon pub on Sunday (October 13), a spokesperson for the chain confirmed earlier this week.

Redbridge councillor Paul Donovan, who represents the Wanstead Village ward, and Leyton and Wanstead MP Calvin Bailey have both called the news "very disappointing", as they feel community views have been "seemingly ignored" by Wetherspoon.

Cllr Donovan was closely involved in the "Save the George" campaign - for which 3,200 signed a petition to keep the high street pub open.

This followed confirmation from Wetherspoon in March that The George was "under offer" from another pub company.

Until now, the chain had maintained that the pub would "remain open and trading as The George until it is sold".

Cllr Donovan said he had hoped JD Wetherspoon would listen to the concerns of the community over the potential loss of the George - but said: "It doesn't seem that the petition or protestations made direct to the company made much impact".

He told this paper: "I guess, it was all about the bottom line for Wetherspoon, when it came to the final decision.

"And in many ways that is fair enough, they are a business, not a social service.

"However, what the last few months of activity around the Save the George campaign have shown is how important it is to have somewhere warm, where people can go for some reasonably priced food and drink.

"The George offered this, with the chance to meet others from across the generations."

MP Calvin Bailey had also supported the campaign to save the pub, which opened as The George & Dragon Inn in 1716.

He posted on X that he was "very upset" that local views had seemingly been ignored.

The MP told this paper he is trying to arrange a meeting with JD Wetherspoon and the new pub company to discuss "how this wonderful community asset can be preserved for our community".

READ MORE: The Jobbers Rest, Upminster pub's unique name and history

He said: "The George is a much-loved community institution for Wanstead, and this recent news will be a blow to many residents.

"Several weeks back, I wrote to Wetherspoons to ask them to look for alternative solutions.

"I didn't get the answer we wanted, so I’ve gone back to them asking them to meet with me, joined by the prospective buyers if they wish."

A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon said the closure is a "commercial decision".

They said: "We understand that both customers and staff at The George will be disappointed with the decision to stop trading as a Wetherspoon pub.

"We thank our staff and customers for their loyalty over the years.

"Wetherspoon does on occasion, close pubs, and this is the case here."

The chain declined to comment further on the accusations that community views have been overlooked.

The company taking over The George has not yet been revealed.