MALDON Council's leader boss is hopeful of future funding opportunities and wants to see extra cash for infrastructure after £5million of Government funding is set to be withdrawn.

Maldon is set to lose out on the huge cash boost expected to be spent on culture, after the Government has announced the "need to make savings" following the Autumn Budget. The Government also says it "will consult" with the towns and areas identified for the funding "before making final decisions."

Maldon, like many other towns, was allocated the funding in the previous Government's Spring Budget as part of the £100 million funding pot for levelling up culture projects.

Following the announcement of funding set to be withdrawn, Richard Siddall, leader of Maldon Council, insists he wants to discuss other funding options.

He said: "The potential withdrawal of the Levelling Up Culture and Capital Projects funding is disappointing. 

"Our beautiful district sees over four million visitors per year and offers a breadth of leisure, heritage, art and nature experiences. Not receiving this funding prevents us from investing further in our district in our cultural assets. I am however keen to consult with the government on any future funding, and to explore how any funding that could be allocated, could be used to reduce our infrastructure deficit.

"I am also keen to hear about receiving further funding from the Uk Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). 

"Our understanding is that there will be a further one year allocation.

"The previous allocation has enabled the Council to invest in funding new play equipment, new pontoon for Burnham-on-Crouch, and a huge range of community initiatives. We eagerly await further details on the one year allocation of UKSPF funding and how the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government will invest in improving the infrastructure in our District."

A council spokesman said an investment plan was submitted to the Government regarding how to spend the money but the council insists that "residents can be assured that no money has been spent progressing the submitted investment plan."

The Government's website states: "Given the need to make savings, the government has announced that it is minded to withdraw funding from the below Levelling Up Culture Projects and Capital Regeneration Projects announced at Spring Budget 2024, but will consult these places before making final decisions."