A contractor has been criticised following delays to the completion of planned roadworks in Stevenage.

Road widening works taking place in Mobbsbury Way at the junction with Fairlands Way will not be finished for “up to six weeks” according to Stevenage councillor Robin Parker.

The works, being carried out by construction contractor Hope and Clay on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), were agreed as part of the rebuilding of the nearby Nobel School and began in March.

Initially Mobbsbury Way was closed while the work – due to be finished in May – took place and has since reopened, but the scheme is yet to be completely finished.

Cllr Parker, who represents the Manor ward for Stevenage Borough Council and the Chells division for HCC, said: “The new light units are still not working, road markings and signage are still missing and some equipment has been left on the grass meaning that the borough council cannot cut it properly.

“I chase these issues up every other day or so but the contractor is taking no notice of me and they are still saying that it will be six weeks before they can sort it.”

Speaking on Wednesday, a spokesman for Hope and Clay said: “The main roadworks were substantially carried out during April and May, and the road was reopened early. However, we have had problems with the new street lighting and signage.

“I can confirm that the lighting lanterns were ordered over six months ago, and our contractor still awaits delivery of these. The current expectation is that these will be delivered in mid-August.

“The existing street lights remain in place and are still connected to the power supply. As soon as the new lighting units are delivered, they will be fitted and the power supplies changed, allowing removal of the existing redundant columns.

“Our lighting contractor is on site to install illuminated bollards and road signs, which shall be completed by Thursday. We shall then be able to surface the island and clear any remaining areas.

“We do apologise for the delay in completion of the scheme, which has been out of our control due to the specified manufacturer of the lanterns not having any in production or stock.”