The leader of Greenwich Council has urged Crossrail bosses to get the project finished as soon as possible after its botched opening was pushed back again this week.

The Elizabeth line service, from Paddington to Abbey Wood, was set to open in December before rail bosses initially said more testing time is needed, pushing it back by nearly a year.

The new chief exec of the project, Mark Wild, has now said the anticipated opening date was no longer viable, with no new date set.

Crucial parts of the infrastructure for the east-west rail line, including stations and tunnel interiors, have yet to be completed and tested.

When it is eventually fully opened, trains will run from Reading and Heathrow in the west through 13 miles of new tunnels to Shenfield and Abbey Wood in the east.

It’s hoped the improved rail links will help regenerate areas of the south east.

The leader of Greenwich Council, Dan Thorpe, said he hoped a new date would be announced soon.

He said: “We are extremely disappointed that the opening of the Elizabeth line will be delayed once again, and I know that many of our residents will also be upset at this news.

“I hope that the new Crossrail chief executive will announce a new expected opening date shortly.

“Abbey Wood and Woolwich have already started seeing the benefit of the ‘Crossrail effect’, with new hundreds of homes being built and businesses opening.

“This will continue, and I am sure that it will be worth the wait when it finally does open but I would urge the new chief executive to ensure the scheme is completed as quickly as possible to ensure the residents of Abbey Wood, Woolwich and beyond can experience the benefits.”

The final bill for Europe’s largest project of this kind could end up nearer £18bn than the £15bn expected in the summer.

Despite services not running yet, there has already been loud calls from nearby Bexley Council to extend Crossrail through the borough and out to Ebbsfleet.

The council has an ambitious growth strategy of 35,000 homes which it hopes to be supported by the extension of Crossrail through the north of the borough.