Glastonbury's Town Deal Board has broken its silence over the collapse of The Life Factory project.

In a statement issued on Tuesday 3 June, the Board said it was "very disappointed" that Somerset Council has officially withdrawn further funding for the project, following the release of a critical internal audit.

While the project's struggles have been public for weeks, this is the first time the Board has spoken so openly about the situation.

Top of the list is the fate of local contractors who, the Board warned, may be left out of pocket for work already completed. They've urged Somerset Council to step in and support Red Brick Building Centre Ltd to secure the future of the tenants and community services that were meant to be based at the now-abandoned Building C.

"We have consistently advised speedier action on the issues facing The Life Factory project and release of the internal audit findings," the statement read.

The fallout has already led to major changes within the Town Deal Board itself. Chair Dr Lynne Sedgmore CBE has stepped down after nearly four years in the role, citing personal reasons. Long-standing community representative Kama McKenzie has also resigned. The current Vice Chair, Glastonbury Mayor Cllr Michael White, will step in as acting Chair until a permanent replacement is appointed.

While acknowledging the issues raised in the audit by South West Audit Partnership (SWAP), the Board said it remained concerned about the impact the decision would have on the local community.

They also moved to reassure residents that the other nine Town Deal projects remain unaffected, with a "health check" already underway to help ensure the remaining schemes are delivered successfully.

What else is happening with the Town Deal?

Despite the failure of The Life Factory, other projects are moving ahead:

• St Dunstan's House, a health and wellbeing centre backed by the NHS, is due for completion in September.
• Abbey Yard, a new piazza at Glastonbury Abbey, opened at Easter and is already welcoming visitors.
• Tor Leisure Hub reopened in March with new fitness, leisure, and outdoor spaces following a full renovation.
• Robert Richards Initiative will see new and improved paths across the town, with work beginning this summer.
• Baily's Buildings are progressing in phases, with match funding still being sought for later stages.
• Glastonbury Clean Energy has completed rooftop solar installations and is working on a ground-mounted array.
• St Brigid's Chapel and Field work is starting soon, including a new visitor roundhouse.
• Regenerative Farming Centre continues developing its community farm and tree nursery.
• The Enabling Project, which aims to create off-road living space to support the Beckery area, is back in planning after legal setbacks.

The Town Deal programme is now entering its final year, with Somerset Council continuing to oversee delivery of the remaining projects. The Board says it will remain focused on supporting those schemes to completion.