Plans for the regeneration of Hadleigh Town Centre have been delayed further after funding of £2million was withdrawn.

It is thought that the whole project could cost about £60million.

The scheme, which is now five years in the making, would have seen the Crown Pub, in London Road, demolished and replaced by flats, a new library built and an art studio revamped.

The pub has been closed since 2009.

The old Hadleigh Fire Station which is used an art studio was set to be revamped, although the plans would have kept the outside of the iconic building the same.

The £2million funding from Essex County Council would gone towards the new library, but this is no longer available.

However, Norman Smith, newly elected Tory leader of Castle Point Council, has pledged to work hard to get the scheme up and running.

He said: “I will be trying to get the parties involved, including Castle Point Council, the county council, the housing association and the fire service to meet and get things going.

“I am determined to get this going for the area.

“I am hoping to set up a meeting with the different parties as soon as possible.

“The regeneration is important as the pub is boarded up and does look like a mess which isn’t good for the area.

“We are going to do something there whether it involves all of the other groups or not.”

He wants to reassure the public Castle Point Council will work on the old pub site if a scheme is not agreed.

Bill Sharp, Conservative councillor for St James, said he is delighted that the new leader is taking the issue so seriously.

He said that he is hopeful that a resolution will be found quickly.

Mr Sharp said: “The issue is frustrating for councillors and residents who have taken a keen interest in the regeneration scheme.

“Norman Smith is right in what he is doing and I am supportive of his work on this.

“We want to get something done because the pub site is a mess.

“I know he will be speedy doing this and I hope that we can come back soon with a consultation for our residents about plans for the site and area.

“It has been going on now for far too long. I think that residents will be pleased that we are working on this.

“I also think that residents will be frustrated that the plans they were consulted on are now not going ahead.”

He said that it’s unacceptable that nothing has gone on with the site and regeneration of the area.

The funding from Essex County Council was given in 2017.

The funding was made available on the basis that Essex County Council provides no further money for the regeneration and was able to move in and operate the new public buildings.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, said: “We have worked tirelessly with Castle Point Borough Council over the last two years on their project to redevelop the Fire Station, Library and Crown Pub site in the centre of Hadleigh. Essex County Council has demonstrated its support for the project with the offer of £2m to enable its delivery, but despite all of our best efforts it has not been possible to arrive at a viable scheme. We are disappointed that the project will not go ahead as planned, but we understand that Castle Point Borough Council are looking at alternative options.”