CONSTRUCTION of a new Subway store in Greater Leys has paused due to contractors getting "ahead of themselves", staff have said.

Work began in late May to extent the Spar convenience store in Dunnock Way to house a new branch of the American sandwich outlet.

But the project has stalled because the external building was completed too fast, with permission for the next section of the work still not yet approved.

Manager Mark Ewens said: "They got so far ahead of themselves building the extension that we aren't ready for the next stage.

"Because it's an American franchise, whatever is done in this country has to be approved in the States."

A new 82sqm unit has been built on a patch of grass next to the shop and is now waiting to be fitted out with coolers, freezers, ovens and a preparation area.

Ten new jobs are set to be created once the site opens for business, which Mr Ewens said was now likely to be at the end of October.

He said: "Subway want to put up signs outside saying 'Coming soon' because there is no guarantee with time-scales.

"Everyone here is trained and we are all waiting for the boring stuff now."