The controversial Tolworth greenway project will be delayed until after the Olympics, sparking claims the plans may be in doubt.

London Assembly member for south-west London Tony Arbour said the scheme had been pushed back from its April start date so Boris Johnson could “hear both sides of the story” before giving the green light.

Mr Arbour said the Mayor had asked Derek Osbourne to “put a hold on the plans”, claims rejected by the Liberal Democrat council leader.

Mr Osbourne said work on the greenway would not start next month as no major road works were allowed during the Olympics and that the scheme was delayed after it was called in by Conservative councillors last month.

Mr Arbour said: “My understanding is the Mayor is currently, or may have already, contacted Derek Osbourne and asked for a hold to be put on the scheme because of the controversy, so the Mayor can hear both sides of the argument.

“I am one of those who thinks Transport for London (TfL) should have better things to spend its money on.”

Mr Osbourne confirmed the Mayor’s office had asked to delay looking for building contractors until after the election, something he said the council had no plans to do anyway.

He said: “I want to make it clear there has been no call for a review and the plans are not on hold because the Mayor or his office has asked us to.

“The project would have gone ahead if the decision had not been called in by Tory councillors. Unfortunately, there is an embargo on major road projects until after the Olympics and we have now missed the deadline.”

The Guildhall has been accused of ignoring public opinion after pushing ahead with plans to build a public walkway down the middle of the A3 feed road.

Concerns were raised over possible collisions between cyclists and pedestrians but experts convinced Lib Dem councillors that the shared space scheme would encourage road users to work harmoniously.

The greenway is partly funded by a £1.6m TfL grant, which is run by the Mayor of London’s office.