A question mark hangs over the start date of building work on a community pavilion.

Vital funding for the £500,000 facility at King George V Playing Fields was secured in summer, with hopes that construction would begin soon after.

But delays have meant the work is now not expected to get fully under way until the new year.

The setback has annoyed residents such as Cliff Sturmey, who have long called for the pavilion to be erected.

Mr Sturmey, of Bentsbrook Park, North Holmwood, said: "I am passionate about my community and we want a pavilion down here.

"I have been assured that the money is there and there is no problem about that. It is a matter of when they can pull their fingers out and get it built."

Mr Sturmey who coaches youngsters at North Holmwood FC said the pavilion will benefit the community.

He added: "It is for the residents of Chart Downs, North Holmwood and Goodwyns. These are the people that will use the facility. It is not just football but for other outdoor activities."

Councillor Mick Longhurst, who lives in nearby Stubs Hill, said: "This has gone on for far too long. We need to know when this is going to be built."

A £200,000 grant was awarded by the Football Foundation in July, which along with £300,000 from Mole Valley District Council (MVDC).

But the council said the start date for building work had been pushed back due to delays in waiting for details from utilities providers,

It also said the deadline seeking contractors to carry out the building work expired on last Thursday and that work is now expected to start in the new year.

A MVDC spokesman said: "The production of the tender documents was delayed whilst waiting for necessary information from the utilities providers, which the council has no control over."