WHILE on the face of it the problems at the Marston Royal British Legion club may be self-inflicted, it would still be a tragedy if it was forced to close.

The club – as opposed to the Legion branch – has been hit with a final demand for an outstanding tax bill of more than £50,000.

It comes from the sale of land for £900,000 so the club has more than had the money to pay the taxman at some point.

However, a way must be found to rescue this valuable institution for the sake of the community.

Legions have long done good work for our former servicemen and women, but this branch in particular has proved its worth in the present day.

Marston members have been heavily involved in the repatriation ceremonies held outside Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital, making themselves the unofficial faces of those who cannot be present but who wish to pay tribute to the current service personnel who are laying down their lives in Afghanistan.

It must be appreciated that HM Revenue and Customs has to enforce its bill but hopefully, with the aid of Oxford East MP Andrew Smith, some sort of deal can be struck that sees the club able to pay off its debt in a sensible and acceptable way without having to go out of business.