The official opening of a pedestrian link between two train stations has been delayed again, 18 years after it was supposed to be built.

When planning permission was given to The Family Housing Association to develop in Exeter Road in 1996, an agreement was made to build a clear path between Queens Road and Walthamstow Central Stations.

A new entrance was planned for Queens Road in Edison Close so the walking journey time between the two was cut by ten minutes.

However, the work was never carried out and the council took the case to the high court in an attempt to secure progress.

The authority secured an agreement to carry out the work and charge the housing association for it.

However, work was still not carried out.

In 2008 Solum Regeneration promised build the structure as part of its tower block complex by Walthamstow Central.

Walkway plans were finally agreed in 2011 and work began in March 2013.

The link, which is rumoured to be named after late Ray Dudley, a long-serving campaigner for the Barking-Gospel Oak Line User Group (BGOLUG), should have opened on Monday.

However the council informed BGOLUG this week that there has been a number of setbacks.

Transport Planner for Waltham Forest Council, Tobias Newland, said: “Unfortunately it is now looking as though the new station entrance at Walthamstow Queen’s Road will not be able to open next week as a potential defect has been discovered on the new ramp leading up to the new entrance on Exeter Road.

“This is currently being addressed by the developer.

“Work has begun on cleaning up the path at the end of Edison Close that will form the route through to Walthamstow Central station.”

A new pavement linking Edison Close with the rear entrance of Walthamstow Central Station is also being constructed.

No date has been given for the proposed opening.