A MARCH pub has undergone a rapid facelift but its still missing its key feature- beer.

A stand off between businessman Nigel Marsh, Cambs Police and Fenland District Council has yet to resolve itself with the result that Georges, the pub formerly known as The George, stands empty of customers and beer.

Mr Marsh spectacularly won back control of the pub last week, a by product as it turned out of a court case which had previously seen him escorted from the pub and under arrest.

With the collapse of the case against him- and of charges of assault against a police officer- he was free to return to March and do battle for ownership of the pub.

How it fell out of ownership is a matter for the civil courts but clearly Mr Marsh has convinced the authorities he has the right to be there as main shareholder in a company that acquired the pub’s lease.

But that right of occupancy is still to extend to recognition by Fenland Council that he is entitled to the premises licence- the requirement for him to officially call himself landlord.

So while the dispute drags on Mr Marsh has been busy with his team continuing the make over he started earlier this year, and with the tenants- and former business associates who he brought into run Georges- nowhere to be seen.

Mr Marsh also faces another battle with police and officials who putting out tables, chairs and umbrellas in front of the pub which has previously been declared a car park and therefore unlicensed for drinkers.

That fight, though, is yet to come.

Meanwhile the pub is brightly lit up, clean, tidy and awaiting the return of its customers.

They might be back soon.

But they’ll only be there for the beer- and until that arrives they won’t!