Directors of the Red Brick Building in Glastonbury have spoken publicly about the challenges facing the troubled Life Factory project, saying the scheme has become a "political football" and calling for respect for the due process now underway.

Speaking at a recent meeting of Glastonbury Town Council, a Red Brick Building director, who gave his name only as Andrew, told councillors the board had gone "above and beyond" to try to resolve the deep-seated issues surrounding the Life Factory scheme.

The Life Factory — a major refurbishment project at the Red Brick Building supported by Town Deal funding — has been subject to a lengthy audit by the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP) amid concerns over governance and financial management. While associated with the Red Brick Building Community Centre, operates independently, with its own management and funding structures.

The spokesperson told councillors: "We cannot move forward until the audit is complete. The longer it drags on, the deeper the damage to the project, to our partners and to our community."

He added: "It's deeply distressing to see this project turned into a political football. While we've remained silent out of respect for the due process, it's painful to see our work misrepresented."

The Red Brick Building board commissioned its own financial audit in December 2023, which triggered the ongoing review by SWAP.

He said: "Behind every headline are real people, real work and real consequences. The Life Factory is not finished. Work done making the building safe, clearing decades of neglect — that matters, even if it's not always visible from the outside."

He acknowledged that the situation had put huge pressure on all involved.

Trusted subcontractors have not been paid in full, and the project's principal designer, Jonathan Wilkins, is still owed a significant sum. Andrew told councillors he had spoken to Mr Wilkins personally to offer condolences after the tragic death of Mr Wilkins' wife, who took her own life amid financial strain.

Andrew said: "We haven't stood still. Our board has evolved. We've undergone training. We've improved governance. There's still work to do. This is not the same organisation that began the project."

He urged councillors — and the wider public — to come and see the work at the Red Brick Building for themselves.

He said: "This building is more than bricks. It's a home for culture, community and care."