A COURT battle between engineering company Cleveland Bridge and its former employer on the new Wembley Stadium project will not begin until early next year, it has emerged.

The Darlington company has been locked in a dispute with Australian company Multiplex, the main contractor on the £757m development, for months.

Cleveland Bridge won the £60m contract to create the stadium's iconic arch feature and roof.

Its workers walked off the site last August, as disputes with Multiplex escalated.

The feud intensified when both companies lodged claims in the Court of Technology and Construction, part of the High Court.

Multiplex triggered the proceedings, submitting a claim for up to £30m from Cleveland Bridge. The latter responded by saying it was entitled to about £21m from its former employer.

The matter was due to be heard this year, but Cleveland Bridge said it did not expect that to be the case.

A company spokeswoman said: "It is now likely to be in the first quarter of next year.

"We are waiting for confirmation of the date, but it will be between early January and the end of March. The litigation process is still going forward."

Multiplex has already had to pay nearly £5m to Cleveland Bridge after mediation.

The outcome could be crucial to Multiplex, which said Cleveland Bridge's withdrawal meant it would probably only break even on the project. It later predicted a £45m loss, but said the venue would open in time for next year's FA Cup final.