A CHARITY for wounded soldiers will not be able to receive phone calls and e-mails in time for its grand opening, because of delays caused by BT.

The Invicta Foundation is opening the country’s first Forces and Families Advice Bureau in Lion Walk, Colchester, on Tuesday.

The centre has been set up by the family of injured sapper Ashley-James Hall, from Boxted, to help soldiers and families across the country access support.

But BT has failed to install phone lines, despite three attempts.

Stephen Hall, who set up the foundation, said: “BT is completely messing us about.

“We have bought a phone plan with Talk Talk, which has been fantastic.

“But BT has to install the line. It has had engineers down here three times and every time they have said they don’t know how to install the lines.

“We have our grand opening next Tuesday and it’s ridiculous we still haven’t got the phone lines on.

“Without phones and broadband, we can’t take calls and help people.”

The Forces and Families Advice Bureau will help soldiers, serving and ex-military, and their families, by putting them in touch with charities that can help.

Family members and soldiers can also call into the centre for a cup of tea to find out more about what help is on offer.

Army commanders, MPs and Colchester mayor Helen Chuah are set to attend to grand opening. Mr Hall said: “It was all supposed to be switched on and working in early February.

“How are we supposed to give out advice without the internet or the phone? We receive calls, e-mails for help everyday, which we won’t be able to take in the centre. I can’t run the centre from my mobile phone.”

The Invicta Foundation was set up 18 months ago by Mr Hall and wife Cheryl when Ashley lost both his legs when a roadside bomb exploded in Afghanistan in July 2010. Ashley, a former student at St Benedict’s College and Colchester Institute, was clearing mines with the 36 Engineer Regiment in Afghanistan.

He is learning how to walk on prosthetic legs.

A BT spokesman said: “We will investigate the situation.”