AN outline of the proposed Okehampton BID plan will be presented to businesses next week.

The BID team will present its outline Business Improvement District plan at an open meeting on Tuesday April 23.

The plan aims to increase the prospects for town centre businesses by running a number of initiatives including free afternoon car parking, a new marketing campaign for the town, and supporting the Okehampton and District Chamber of Trade's town promotions manager initiative.

As well as aiming to bring in new business the BID will offer benefits to businesses such as subsidised advertising and a free website entry.

Kay Bickley of the BID steering group said: 'The BID group has listened to what businesses think will make a difference, and come up with a set of proposals to strengthen the town centre.

'If the BID goes ahead, then all the businesses will contribute and we need to make sure that their investment represents good value for money.

'As well as generating more trade, we want to reduce costs to increase profitability.'

A BID is a partnership between a local authority and the local business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within a set area.

It is funded by a levy on the businesses within the BID boundary.

The Okehampton BID has been spearheaded by a steering group of local business people.

Before any ballot takes place, the final BID business proposal will be circulated to every business within the BID zone, as well as to local authorities.

To ensure the interests of both large and small businesses are considered the ballot must be won by claiming at least 50% of the vote and by the rateable value majority of those voting for the BID.

The levy money would be collected by the borough council and paid into a ring-fenced BID account.

The meeting on April 23 takes place at the White Hart Hotel at 6pm. All are welcome to attend the meeting and hear the plans for the BID.

For more information visit http://www.okehamptonbid.co.uk">www.okehamptonbid.co.uk or phone 01837 658643.