The long awaited opening of the new Coulsdon by-pass has been delayed again after construction workers found a gas main that was not on their plans.

The multi-million pound relief road was due to open in February this year, but the latest setback means it is unlikely to be finished until January 2007 - almost a year late.

Richard Ottaway MP, who called it "deeply frustrating", is calling for an inquiry into the delayed road.

A spokesman for Transport for London (TfL) said: "The contractor will work very hard to achieve an opening before Christmas, avoiding disruption to motorists during the holiday period.

"However, the opening may be delayed until mid January 2007, in the event of bad weather or other unexpected difficulties.

"The recent discovery of a gas main that was on no existing plans has caused delays on this project. We are however grateful to Southern Gas Networks for working to speed its diversion."

Terry Lenton, councillor for Coulsdon East, said: "I think it's unfortunate and from the point of view of our businesses it's disappointing as I think our traders are holding on by a thread.

"All I can do is press people to realise how important it is to get the road open, there is a limit to what the council can do and to the pressure we can apply."

Peter Morgan, Coulsdon resident and Croydon Road Users' Forum member, was also angered by the latest setback.

He said: "I think it's absolutely outrageous that it has been delayed again and the fact they have only just found this gas main is unbelievable.

"Last time I spoke to the project manager he told me that they were still on course for an October opening, even when it was obvious to everyone that there would be no chance of that happening."

Mike Perrin, proprietor of greengrocery MC Perrin in Brighton Road was equally annoyed. "We all wanted the road to be open before Christmas and I'm disappointed that it won't be," he said, "We won't be able to tell how detrimental it will be on our Christmas trade until next year, but it is really dissapointing that it's been delayed yet again."

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