Project managers behind Amble Development Trust's striking Fourways 2 project say they paid Northumberland County Council £1,200 several months ago to have the post lifted.

But they are still waiting and had to go ahead with building work around the lamp-post.

A new lighting pole was also erected against the building to allow access to the new wheelchair ramp.

But, at the time of going to press, the redundant post was still causing an obstruction.

David Milburn, the trust's executive director, said: "We are heartily sick of chasing the county council over this. The work was supposed to be done months ago and we paid good money for it.

"We have been told that it will be removed by the end of this week, but that's what we have been promised for weeks now. It's taking a lot of time for some people to do their job."

The newly-completed project, which cost £1.3million, includes conference and meeting rooms as well as open plan and cellular offices set on three storeys.

A Northumberland County Council spokesman said yesterday: "We have had to wait for the electricity suppliers to complete their work on the lamp-post before we can remove it. That work has now been completed and the removal of the lamp-post is a priority for our street lighting team.

"It is likely to be completed either by the end of today or on Thursday morning."