PROJECT managers tasked with raising a Marlow landmark from the ashes have voiced their disappointment at the slow progress caused by a slew of problems at the site.

The Property Committee responsible for monitoring and steering the £2million Marlow Rowing Club project confirmed the setbacks, including the discovery of asbestos, have delayed completion by around a month.

Since work began to demolish and rebuild the riverside club, gutted by flames in 2011, workers have been troubled by an underground gas main and two separate cases of asbestos in parts of the old building.

But with the demolition work now complete, work has begun on levelling out the ground level in preparation for the piling works to commence in the New Year.

David Plaskitt, committee member, said: "We have had a disappointingly slow start to the project. Firstly we were delayed by a utility company requirement to install vibration monitoring equipment to ensure that an adjacent gas main was not being damaged.

"Then when the demolition did get underway we had two discoveries of asbestos which temporarily halted progress.

"It is to be hoped that the early setbacks are behind us and 2014 will see steady progress towards completion of the project in the Autumn."

Plans for the £2m Watersports Hub are still being finalised between the Property Committee and contractors Beard, with fundraising efforts still continuing to bring in the outstanding cash.

The new centre will also include state-of-the-art para-rowing facilities, building on the success which saw member Naomi Riches clinch gold in last year’s Paralympic Games.

Lynne Moran, the club’s press officer, said: "The projected has had a few teething problems which is not uncommon for a project of this size and nature. We are currently about 4 weeks behind schedule.

"We hope that the weather remains as mild as it has been lately to allow us to stay on track with our plans for the project in the new year."

Club bosses estimate the completion date has been delayed until September 22 next year.