IN response to Margaret Garton's letter (February 28), it would seem that there is a lack of understanding among the general public as to what the role of the BID is.

Firstly, I would say that there has been no comment from the BID concerning the future use of the Focus site nor has the BID had any involvement with any council during the High Court challenge. If the BID board decides to offer an opinion on the matter it will only be at the request of its members and only when a definite planning application is in progress.

The Tavistock BID (Business Improvement District) is the umbrella title given to a scheme involving a number of projects put forward by town centre businesses and consolidated into a business plan designed to improve the town centre as an attractive business, visitor and shopping destination.

The scheme, which runs for five years, is funded by a separate payment by each of the businesses in the BID area in proportion to the rateable value of their premises. Therefore none of the household council tax collected by West Devon Borough Council is involved within this scheme. This fund is administered by a limited company, Tavistock BID Limited, which has a board of directors, all unpaid volunteers, whose sole purpose is to deliver the business plan.

The BID board is careful not to use its funds to duplicate or substitute services that the councils would normally be expected to provide; but where practical are prepared to work with the authority to enhance or support projects that are within its remit and would lead to an increase in the footfall and vibrancy of the town centre generally.

I do hope that this clarifies points raised by Ms Garton and other correspondents.

Tony Whitehead

Chairman, Tavistock BID Ltd