Frustrations are growing in Petersfield Town Council as the waiting goes on for a D-Day verdict on a landmark redevelopment.

Plans to revamp Festival Hall were lodged nearly two years ago but PTC is still waiting for a verdict with ongoing fees and increased rates taking their toll on finances.

A decision is expected soon but Cllr Chris Paige has threatened to “escalate” things if a verdict isn’t given before the next Public Halls Committee meeting in April.

The worry about the financial impact of the wait was aired during Monday’s meeting as the cost of improving the council chamber has leapt by 5.7 per cent to £282,000 in a matter of weeks.

And if it’s only taken a short time for that bill to rise by £15,000, then what will the impact be on a project expected to well exceed £20million?