THE OPENING of the new Hogmoor Community Buildings has been delayed until March.

It comes after the buildings were damaged during the controlled explosion of the Second World War bomb in September.

James Child, project lead at Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company said: “Repairs are needed to doors, light fittings and electrical appliances, plaster on walls and ceilings, and cladding surfaces. We have also commissioned a structural survey to assess whether any damage has been caused to the structural frame and foundations.”

It is hoped works will be complete before Christmas, enabling the “fit out contract” to start in the New Year and the building being “operational” in March. Responding to the “disappointing news” Mr Child added: “We are doing everything we can to repair the damage and open the buildings”.

Councillor Andy Tree, leader of Whitehill Town Council said he is “usually the first to criticise delays and demand deadlines are met”, but in this case has seen “what appears to be damage to the structural integrity of the Hogmoor Inclosure buildings”.