Redbridge Council is “incredibly dissapointed” that the opening of the new Crossrail line has been delayed by nine months.

The Elizabeth line will not open until autumn 2019, sparking fears it will have an impact on the area’s economy.

Representatives say further time is required to complete the final infrastructure and fully test the new line for safety.

The ten-year project will bring new trains and is set to add 10 per cent to central London’s rail capacity, boosting the economy by an estimated £42 billion.

The main section of the route affected by the delays is the central section between Paddington and Abbey Wood.

Cllr John Howard, cabinet member for civic pride, said: “Incredibly disappointed that the central section of Crossrail won’t open until autumn 2019. It’s a big delay in the project that will have a huge impact on Ilford.

“We’re working with TfL and Crossrail to work and see what the impact on the Liverpool St-Shenfield section will be.”

The company behind the project says the focus remains on opening the full Elizabeth line, from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east, as soon after the central tunnels open as possible.

Simon Wright, chief executive of Crossrail, said: “The Elizabeth line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK and is now in its final stages.

“We have made huge progress with the delivery of this incredible project but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway.

“We are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line.”

Redbridge councillors are not happy about the delays and took to Twitter to vent their frustrations.

The new Elizabeth line trains are already operating between Shenfield and Liverpool Street (mainline station) and between Paddington (mainline station) and Hayes & Harlington, in readiness for the full opening.

The trains are also being tested in the Heathrow tunnels. Construction activity is drawing to a close.

When the central section of the Elizabeth line opens in autumn 2019, the railway will initially operate as three separate services as planned:

Paddington (Elizabeth line station) to Abbey Wood via central London

Paddington (mainline station) to Heathrow (Terminals 2, 3 and 4)

Liverpool Street (mainline station) to Shenfield

The new railway will connect stations such as Paddington to Canary Wharf in only 17 minutes.

The Elizabeth line will bring an extra 1.5 million people to within 45 minutes of central London and more than 200 million passengers are expected to use it every year.