The problems facing the building currently being built off Ifield Drive have been caused because Indian stonemasons due to start work at the site around seven weeks ago have not been allowed into the country – and are not likely to be admitted for at least another month due to visa problems.

Gurjar Hindu Union spokesman Bharat Lukka said the temple's grand opening will have to be delayed until October or February next year.

But he insisted that a visit by the 'Hindu Pope'- Bhaishree Ramesh Oza- will go ahead as planned in August.

Mr Lukka said the delays were costing around £1,700 a day.

He said: "It's an absolute nightmare – this has caused us huge problems.

"There's no way we can move the deities because they've got to go through the right procedures.

"It's a huge worry and at the moment we're seeing if we can find builders from another Hindu site in the UK, because it's looking like another four to five weeks' delay.

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