The Plough Pub, in East Sheen, which has been at the centre of a bitter dispute over its future, will not open until the new year, Nub News has learned.

The decision means that the community pub, which dates back to the 18th century, will not be trading through the crucial festive, Christmas and New Year period.

The pub has been at the centre of a row after pub company, Fuller's, decided not to renew the lease of the landlord, Tony O'Neill, and take over the management itself.

The move provoked a backlash from locals, including councillors, who called on Fuller's to changes its mind, set up a petition, which has attracted over 1,900 names, and threatened a boycott.

After being told to leave, Mr O'Neill stripped the property and kitchens of all the fixtures and fittings, so requiring a complete renovation of the inside of the property.

Fuller's sent in a team to carry out the work, however it appears this is going to take many weeks to achieve.

A spokeswoman told Nub News: "I can confirm that, having taken possession and seeing the work we need to do, we know that unfortunately we won't be open before early 2022."

Central to the dispute has been the use of a beer garden alongside the pub, which is key to The Plough's appeal. The former landlord insists that he owns this land and he has taken steps to board it up.

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Fuller's insists that the area is actually owned by Richmond Borough Council and it says it is in talks to continue using the areas for customers.

The spokeswoman said: "With regards to the garden, we are obviously aware that the garden has been cordoned off and we are talking to Richmond Council to clarify and resolve the situation."

The Council could not shed any light on the situation, saying: "We are currently working with Fullers to look into the matter."

Fullers is encouraging people to visit www.plougheastsheen.co.uk where they can register for updates.