Cyclists have lashed out at "farcical" roadworks which started at the beginning of the year and have no end in sight.

"Cycle network improvement works" started in January at the junction of Addiscombe Road and Cherry Orchard Road.

They were meant to take only three months yet eight months on are still carrying on.

Austen Cooper, of Croydon Cycling Campaign, said: "We are unhappy that these delays are carrying on for so long.

"We are concerned the money being put up by the London Assembly will run out.

"There is a shortage of effort and willpower.

"We want people to pull their fingers out so more people can cycle safely.

"The problem is getting the work done to the required standard."

Irritated Addiscombe resident Peter Gainsborough, of Lindfield Road, added: "We're now well into August and the work is still ongoing.

"How much longer will we have to put up with this major junction looking like an abandoned building site, before the people responsible put some effort into finishing it?"

A Croydon Council spokesman explained the cycle lane and signal works had proved to be more difficult than originally thought and they were working with contractors for as early a finish as possible.

However, he was unable to specify an estimated date of completion.

He said: "In order to avoid complete closure of the affected roads, we decided, in consultation with TfL and the contractor, to carry out the work in stages, enabling continued use of the roads and footways.

"One of the main difficulties has been the existence, beneath ground level, of the old subways that were in use before the introduction of Tramlink to the area.

"Whereas jack-hammers would ordinarily be used to deal with obstructions, the reinforced concrete of the subway walls has necessitated the use of large, motorised drilling rigs, which has meant the work taking far longer than planned."