Expansion plans are in jeopardy after the government withdrew £1.7 million in promised funding for the Frome venue.
The prior government had promised this funding for expanding rehearsal and training spaces. Now, that money is gone.
The Cheese and Grain is in Frome on Justice Lane and is a key part of Frome’s culture. They host concerts and election events. They planned to build between their building and the Canoe Club to improve their facilities.
The government hinted at the cut earlier in the Autumn Budget 2024 consultation. The Cheese and Grain started looking for other funds. Sabine and the council pledged support.
Steve Macarthur runs the venue and told the BBC he was shocked, but not surprised. The delay will hurt young people and delay apprenticeships for a year.
Anna Sabine is the MP for the area. She said the cut hurts the economy and she believes it hinders the creative sector’s growth. She feels funds moved to other areas.
Sabine believes Somerset is overlooked and says Frome has much creative potential. She still thinks the venue will succeed, and they will find other ways to grow.
Somerset Council spoke with the government about projects. Council leader Bill Revans is also disappointed and funds seem to have moved elsewhere. The council will keep supporting arts because The Cheese and Grain is very important.
The government department gave a statement that they inherited unfunded project promises. They made hard choices about funds and chose projects with the greatest impact, focusing on local people and economic growth. This is the government’s top goal.