A BID for Levelling Up money from the government to improve Frome’s Cheese & Grain venue has been refused.

The site had initially been promised funding from the scheme after a £100 million pledge by Conservative Chancellor Jeremy Hunt in his 2024 Spring Budget.

However, Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves – in her first Budget last year – said she was ‘minded to withdraw’ the cash as the Government looked to reassign it based on the administration’s ‘mission for growth’.

Now, £64m of funding has been allocated – with a number of projects missing out.

Among them is the Cheese & Grain, which had unveiled plans to create affordable rehearsal space and new editing suites at the Frome venue.

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At the time, a Frome Town Council spokesperson said it would create “significant benefits for the community” and enable “scaling up of vocational training”.

However, the scheme is among those to have been cancelled by the Government.

MP Anna Sabine (Lib Dem, From & East Somerset) said she was “deeply frustrated” by the decision.

“The Government has announced that Somerset Council has been unsuccessful in its bid for the levelling up funding previously promised which would have supported schemes such as the ongoing development of Frome’s Cheese & Grain,” she said.

“I am deeply frustrated and saddened that this opportunity has been lost for Frome and East Somerset and that the Government have once again chosen to redirect crucial funds to build growth in other areas of the country, to the detriment of the south west.

“It’s discouraging to see such a lack of support from the Government for the creative potential in Frome, but I have every belief in the Cheese & Grain that they will persevere and thrive.”

Frome & East Somerset MP Anna Sabine said she is ‘deeply frustrated’ by the decision

The Cheese & Grain has shot to national fame in recent years hosting performances by Glastonbury headliners Foo Fighters and Sir Paul McCartney, as well as hosting Coldplay’s rehearsals for the event – at nearby Worthy Farm.

However, its reputation was not enough to secure the funds from central government.

Among initiatives set to receive funding is £10m for the expansion of the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool, £5m for the National Poetry Centre in Leeds, and £2.3m for three culture projects in Worcester.

Announcing the funding, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, said: “Every corner of the UK has something unique to offer, and our rich creative capital must not be underestimated.

“Our Plan for Change promises growth for every region and I’ve seen first-hand how these projects are igniting growth in their communities.

“Through investing in these critical cultural projects we can empower both local leaders and people to really tap into their potential and celebrate everything their home town has to offer. This means more tourism, more growth and more money in people’s pockets.”