A DECISION on the vital part-grant part-loan for the community-based scheme at Hitchin Town Hall has been delayed by three weeks, it was announced today.

The Comet reported last week how plans for the scheme were moving along, and that planning consent was being sought.

And today, Hitchin Initiative was hoping to hear the result of its �850,000 application to the Community Builders Fund.

But it was announced instead that the outcome would have to wait until February 9, due to more information needed to make a decision.

“It is immensely frustrating,” said town centre manager Keith Hoskins.

“We have sent so much information, and are working frantically hard to produce the further required information.”

The hold up is not thought to affect the timetable for the scheme, which will also see an investment of �3.5 million by North Herts District Council.

A planning application and listed building consent will still be heard before the end of March.