The failure to get Oxford's new Tourist Information Centre open in time for the start of the peak season for visitors has angered a senior city councillor.

The new centre, in Broad Street, was due to open by the end of April, but it is still not ready because of problems with wiring in the new office.

The move was organised after the city council's executive board's decision to sell The Old School, in Gloucester Green, where the existing centre is based.

Maureen Christian, the member for culture and tourism, had promised earlier last month that the new centre would open in time to deal with the tourist rush.

She said that 385,944 people visited the existing centre last year, compared with the centre in Bath, which had 411,000.

Mrs Christian said yesterday: "Unfortunately there has been another delay to the move -- a situation I find completely unacceptable, especially as the tourist season has started. I'm told the reason is because telecommunications work has not been completed. I'm working with officers to ensure there's no further disruption."

Liz Feeney, manager of The Oxford Story tourist attraction in Broad Street, said: "The sooner the centre opens, the better.

"In the meantime, we will continue to act as an unofficial tourist information centre and give advice to visitors."