Works to move a market and college are being delayed due to utility issues, it has been revealed.

A regeneration project worth £2million is taking place to move Basildon market from Market Square to St Martin’s Square and build a new state-of-the-art college building in the vacated Market Square.

However, recently the work has stalled due to issues with utility companies.

Tony Hedley, Tory chairman of the councils regeneration committee, said the council is committed to getting the work completed as soon as possible.

He told the Echo: “Since we took over the council in May, we have been working to find out what is going on.

“In my position as chairman I have a lot to catch up on.

“I do not think it is the council’s fault.

“I think it is down to gas and electric supply issues.

“We need to have water and electric supply for the trader’s showers and lock up areas.”

In a separate statement released by Basildon Council, Mr Hedley, added: “The relocation of Basildon Market is behind schedule due to matters beyond the control of the project including the need to undertake utility diversions. There has been no impact on the college programme and officers will continue to monitor the situation.

“The work in St Martin’s Square marks a significant step in the regeneration of the town centre and it is a priority to work with utility providers to bring this forward at the earliest opportunity.”

Andrew Baggott, Tory council leader, said there have been issues that the council wasn’t aware of until work began.

He said: “I do not want to publicly name companies who are responsible for the work and utilities as it would be wrong to name them at this point as they are working with us to deal with this.

“We are now having talks and will be willing to do anything we can help speed up the process.”

Laindon resident Pat Rackley, 68, said she doesn’t understand what is going on.

She said: “The delay is just getting ridiculous now.”

Planning permission was first granted for the market move in 2014 and works were supposed to be completed in time for the college to build and open its new campus by September 2018.

The new market, supported by Homes England and South Essex College, will contain 46 kiosks.

South Essex College Basildon Campus will move from Nethermayne, Basildon to Market Square, Basildon.

The project is managed by Basildon Town Centre Management and constructed by Thomas Sinden.

Neither company responded to a request for comment.

A college spokesman said the delay would not affect the construction of the college.