Time and Tide Homes Ltd have confirmed that work has had to stop while they find another company to continue with the work on the site.

The development, which will comprise 226 new homes and office spaces, including an eco-friendly business centre called The Green, was met with outrage from numerous Halton residents during the planning stages as they feared it would cause traffic problems and increase the size of the village by a third.

Managing director for Time and Tide, John Asplin said: "Due to the current economic climate the company is £4.5million down in sales to what was projected.

"We are, however, in a good position as we have some quality assets, and negotiations are well under way with another construction company.
"We expect to re-commence work again in September.

"We have had to close the sales office on site as it is not worth manning it full time, however we can still be contacted for viewing appointments and we have taken another reservation this week."

Mr Asplin also said that negotiations for the sale of The Green have been completed and that work is due to start on the business centre in the near future.