A pub owner from March has been forced to change the location of his first ever ‘Santa Run’ after members of the Safety Advisory Group raised concerns over its safety.

Nigel Marsh, owner of George’s pub on March’s High Street, originally submitted plans for a Santa Run – a fun run which sees runners don Santa outfits and raise money for charity – through March’s Christmas Market on Sunday December 6.

However, Mr Marsh has been forced to shelve those plans after members of the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) opposed to them on safety grounds.

In a meeting held by SAG, which includes police, the ambulance service and local councillors, concerns were raised over the amount of participants running down Wisbech Road, with members believing the road could become “overcrowded.”

However, Mr Marsh, who had become affiliated with English Athletics just so the run could go ahead, believes overcrowding wouldn’t be an issue.

He said: “We’re only expecting 30 to 40 Santas, so I don’t think there’s any chance of overcrowding. It’s a shame that the group are more preoccupied with safety than promoting good will at Christmas.”

The recommendation from SAG forced the pub owner to find a new location for the run, with it now taking place over March’s West End Park at 10.30am.