Volunteers hoping to secure a £40,000 lottery grant have been left angry and frustrated after missing the deadline for their application.
Members of the Shawbury Moat Project have been waiting to submit their application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for cash to renovate the area. But they claim that because members of the Diocese of Lichfield have been ‘dragging their feet’ over signing important documents, the application date has now passed.
Angry project workers have now discovered the rules for the grant funding have changed and it is believed more organisations will be battling for a share of a smaller pot of money.
Parish councillors said the reason for the delay to the funding was because HLF officials stated project bosses must have a 15-year lease on the land, owned by the Diocese of Lichfield.
But ongoing contractual discussion with the Diocese have held the application back. Councillors said a 15 year contract has been agreed but the papers have not been signed.
Officials from the lottery came to view the moat site in March and were said to be keen to support the restoration scheme.
Heather Currie, a spokesperson for Shawbury Moat Project said she did not know when they would be able to apply for grant funding again.
Balfours, who represent the Diocese of Lichfield, declined to comment.
