Roadworks were to have started last month to upgrade the section of road outside Elderslie Public School but the project came to a standstill after it was discovered the design plans were unworkable.

Mayor Chris Patterson said: ``The process of getting access to the plans for the road from the land owners and developers has been slow and frustrating.

``We got access to that recently but found we couldn't build the road to those specifications because it would mean services such as gas would be in the middle of the road and the road would be undriveable.

``This project is a major priority. It's taken way too long. We need to adjust the plans and we'll do that as quickly as possible and start work as soon as we can.''

When asked how soon that would be, Cr Patterson said: ``I don't think the timetable I have been given would be acceptable to the community.''

The council negotiated a $600,000 interest-free loan from the Department of Education to upgrade the road after parents complained it was unsafe. More funding was announced last week from Planning Minister Tony Kelly to upgrade the remainder of Lodges Road and Hilder Street ``from rural to urban standard''.

Mr Kelly said the State Government's $11.8 million interest free loan to council would fully fund the upgrade to provide access to the new developments at Elderslie and Spring Farm.