THE OPENING of a controversial new Tesco Express store has been delayed for a fourth time because of a lack of electricity at the site.

The branch in Wanstead High Street was originally due to open on Wednesday December 9, but the date was then pushed back until Saturday 12 and then to Wednesday 16, with the store finally due to open on Saturday (December 19)- only to be delayed yet again because of problems with the building's power supply.

The supermarket giant has told the Guardian that the site - which has been unoccupied since it was bought from Woolworths a year ago - is now planned to open some time in the January.

Despite the confusion, opponents of the store have vowed to fight on in their battle to prevent the store 'destroying' local businesses by leading a boycott of its goods.

Members of The Green Party were due to demonstrate outside the store on Saturday morning (December 16) but it remained closed.