THE opening of a new business in Tavistock has been threatened by a communications breakdown between British Gas and Transco, the developer of the site claimed this week.
The Eastgate Brasserie, built on the site of the old Unigate depot in Market Road, is set to open this week but on Monday, the new staff were still waiting for the gas meter to be fitted.
Developer David Trathen said: 'It's unbelievable — to say the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing is an understatement.
'We've spoken to 16 different people now in Transco and British Gas and we can't get a sensible response out of anybody.
'All we want is a gas meter — you'd think I was asking for a gold bar!'
Mr Trathen said he has had conflicting information from the two companies since May, when he was quoted £22,000 to supply gas to the new premises.
He queried the amount and a senior surveyor made a return trip to Tavistock and amended the figure to £2,000.
Mr Trathen said British Gas told him there would be no charge to supply a meter, which would installed within five days.
Three weeks later, he said Transco contacted him to say they were the company responsible for installing the meter, and there would be a charge.
He said there was now stalemate between the Brasserie and the two companies.
'We are still waiting for British Gas and Transco to get back to us,' he said.
Alan Wood, spokesman for British Gas, said the problem with the meter had occurred because loadings for estimated gas use could not be obtained from the builder of the Brasserie.
This meant the wrong type of meter was originally ordered by Transco.
Mr Wood said British Gas is now trying to get Transco to arrange for the right meter to be installed in less than three weeks, which is the standard installation agreement between the two companies.
'We are trying our best to do it as quickly as possible,' said Mr Wood.
The Eastgate Brasserie is part of a redevelopment nearing completion at the end of Market Road, which includes shop units and first floor office space.