As Somerset waits for clarity on the next phase of the levelling up fund, Frome's rejected bid for co-working spaces and enterprise centre refurbishments has come under renewed scrutiny.

"Incredibly grateful" was how communities under-secretary Dehenna Davison MP described her feelings about the Frome and Wincanton bid in a letter to then-Mendip District Council leader Ros Wyke, adding, "I appreciate how disappointing this news will be."

The levelling up fund, earmarked for infrastructure projects and social investment, has already benefited other Somerset areas like Bridgwater with road improvements and health care facilities.

Yet the deferred announcement of a third funding round by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has left several Somerset projects, including those in Frome, in an ambiguous state.

Frome's unmet bid had focused on creating co-working spaces in Wincanton and refurbishing the Frome enterprise centre. Although the bid was rejected, it received positive feedback from DLUHC officials. With future bids now under the jurisdiction of the newly formed Somerset Council, Frome is among the localities looking for clarity.

"My sincere thanks again for your application, and your support in our mission to help local areas level up across the UK," Davison wrote to Wyke.

However, specific guidance for future applications remains absent.

"No information has been made available on when round three of the levelling up fund will open for bids, nor any criteria that would form the basis of the bid," said a council spokesperson.

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There may still be light at the end of the tunnel for Frome. South Somerset District Council granted permission in December 2022 to transform the former health centre on Carrington Way into a commercial hub. Also, a decision to "award the contract for essential refurbishment works at the Frome Enterprise Centre" is due in October, according to the council's executive committee forward plan.