Coalville's Labour councillors say they are 'disappointed' with the latest delays to the town centre's redevelopment plans.

North West Leicestershire District Council announced last month it was seeking to appoint a new contractor for the planned Newmarket project in Marlborough Square Council looks for new contractor to complete Newmarket.

Work began in January, but with around 60 per cent of it completed, the contractor, Westone Housing, was forced to pull out of the contract due to Covid-19 and the challenges it has placed on the day-to-day operation of their business.

The District Council said it remained committed to completing the project.

A report on these ongoing problems was studied by the Community Scrutiny Committee at North West Leicestershire District Council last week.

Labour councillors pointed out the refurbishment of of the new market hall is running 18 months behind schedule and already over budget.

The councillors who represent Coalville town centre say the further delays have come as a 'bitter disappointment'.

Cllr John Geary said: "Your Local Labour Councillors have always been totally supportive of the planned refurbishment of our town centre.

"I am disappointed at these delays.

"We were hoping to welcome the completion of the Marlborough Square Project by Christmas 2019, but it has just fallen further and further behind, despite repeated assurances to the contrary from the Council's Tory Administration.

"Both the Square and Newmarket need to be back on track or traders will miss out on Christmas 2020 as well."

Labour councillors added that, in the meantime, the Council is committed to extra security patrols and to retaining the existing compound/security fencing along with all new padlocks to try to secure the site which entails extra costs.