There is growing frustration in Watford as the government refused to confirm whether the rug will be pulled from under key projects.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor wrote to the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government requesting clarity over vital funding, including £16 million for Colosseum and Town Hall schemes.

The cash injection apparently got as far as a memorandum of understanding being signed off just after the general election was called. Watford Borough Council therefore expected the money to be transferred across, but was later notified that the department was waiting for direction about whether it could proceed.

Following the mayor's letter, parliamentary under-secretary of state Alex Norris has now replied - but did not offer much in the way of an answer.

The Labour MP, who is responsible for democracy and local growth in the ministry, acknowledged that spending review announcements had caused “uncertainty” and that it was right for the mayor to seek clarity.

How Watford Colosseum is planned to look.Watford Colosseum plans CGI. (Image: Watford Borough Council)

However, he admitted that he "cannot provide an update". Mr Norris assured the council that officials would be able to discuss any issues affecting delivery, but suggested real updates may be most likely to come with the forthcoming budget on October 30 and the conclusion of the Spending Review in spring 2025.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “It is frustrating that the government are still not saying whether or not they will honour this funding commitment.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor and then-MP Dean Russell were thrilled when the funding was announced last year.Watford mayor Peter Taylor and then-MP Dean Russell were thrilled when the funding was announced last year.

“These are really important projects for our town and economy. They will help businesses to grow and mean that a key cultural venue in the town can host a range of exciting events and performances. A lot of work has already gone into these projects.

"We need the government to tell us whether or not they are going to provide the funding that was promised in November last year.”

In May, it was understood that the government plans to set out a full response clarifying its stance on Levelling Up funding in due course. There has been no further update since.Town Hall Quarter CGI.Town Hall Quarter plans CGI. (Image: Watford Borough Council)