CONTRACTORS responsible for the new tram network have refused to comment on rumours that the lines will not be up and running until at least Easter.
Sources from within the building trade told the Construction Enquirer the project would not be "handed over" to the operators until the April bank holiday, after completed work on the lines running through Beeston and Clifton had to be ripped out and redone, and with several subcontractors dropping out of the job.
This will leave the building firm Vinci out of pocket, as it will face paying liquidation damages that could run into tens of millions of pounds, as well as additional labour and material costs.
But Taylor Woodrow Alstom, the contractors responsible for the tram construction, said it is "pure speculation."
Phase two of Nottingham's tram network was due to be completed by the end of 2014.
But in June, Taylor Woodrow Alstom confirmed the £570 million project had been hit by "unforeseen" hold-ups – including moving water pipes and power cables – and would not be ready until "the first part of 2015."
In response to the fresh rumours on even more delays, a spokesman said: "We are aware of reports suggesting a specific timescale for the launch of the Phase Two network but these remain pure speculation.
"Construction work is nearing completion and the contractors are working to fully undertake the testing and commissioning phase as soon as possible.
"Some months ago we said the launch would take place during the first part of 2015 and this remains the case."
The firm would not clarify how many months "the first part" would account for.
Graham Chapman, deputy leader of Nottingham City Council, said he was pushing for the work to be done as soon as possible, but wanted to reassure the public it would not cost any extra money.
"Neither the council nor the contractors know when the tram is going to be finished," he said.
"We are very unhappy about it. However, it won't cost the public anything. In fact, quite the opposite, as they [the contractors] will have to pay liquidated damages for the delay.
"We are now trying to put as much pressure as possible on them to make sure at least the sites get cleared up so people can gain access to shops, even if the trams aren't running."
Vinci said they had nothing to add to the comment from Taylor Woodrow Alstom.
