AN announcement about a delayed £125m expansion of Didcot’s Orchard shopping centre has been delayed – because of a car crash.

The shopping centre managers and the council announced the £125m extension – phase two of the centre – in 2011, but the project has been delayed because of the recession.

Ann Ducker, leader of South Oxfordshire District Council, said last week an announcement about the project would be made by the end of the month.

But this week she said it would have to be delayed by one month – because a car crash that closed the M40 last week meant South Oxfordshire District Council representatives missed a meeting with developers Hammerson.

The announcement will now be made some time next month.

The £50m first phase of the Orchard Centre opened in 2005, and included the Cornerstone Arts Centre, Cineworld cinema, and dozens of new shops.

In March, 2011 the district council and Hammerson announced proposals for a £125m second phase.