Andrew Blake-Herbert, Chief Executive of Havering Council, said:
"Following the frustrating Transport for London (TfL) announcement that the reopening of Gallows Corner would once again be delayed, the Council has met with TfL and made clear that they must urgently examine what options, if any, are available to reduce disruption for residents and businesses.
"This includes pushing for TfL to assess whether a limited or partial reopening of the junction could be delivered safely and, if so, whether it could help to get the borough moving again, recognising that any such option would need to balance urgency with safety and careful consideration of the potential knock‑on effects on surrounding roads.
"I have seen a lot of comments from residents who are understandably upset about this fiasco, and I feel the same way – but understand this is a TfL and Essex and Suffolk Water (ESW) project, and the Council has no control over these works. Please join us in directing your frustrations to those responsible for this unacceptable mess.
"At the last site visit in February, the Council was assured by TfL that the junction would re-open at the end of April.
"We were clear that we would only publicise a date if they could be sure, so I am just as frustrated as you are that this was incorrect.
"We are told that the delay has been caused by unexpected leaks in the ESW works, and that they are working urgently to resolve these.
"It is time they thought about all the residents and businesses affected and sorted this mess out. They also need to look at how everyone is compensated, and we call on TfL and ESW to start planning how such compensation may look to help support all those affected."