PREPARATIONS for the proposed Tavistock Business Improvement District (BID) are well underway with the final ballot expected to take place in June.

New faces have recently been added to the BID steering group — they include Wendy George from Georgi M and Georgina Elias from Georgina's Pet Supplies.

The BID, being spearheaded by Tavistock Chamber of Commerce, is a partnership between local businesses and the local authority — businesses within the BID pay a levy for the five-year programme of projects which members have chosen to improve their trading environment.

The money is collected by the local authority and put into a ring-fenced account to pay for the projects.

Wendy felt it was important that the retail sector, which her business is in, is represented in the BID.

She said: 'When it comes to promoting and developing Tavistock, small businesses like mine can feel ignored.

'The BID is an ideal opportunity for us to have a stronger voice and to reap benefits from the extra funding.

'For the BID to deliver successfully, I feel there must be direct involvement from each of the key business sectors in Tavistock.'

Georgina said: 'I fully support the BID, it's going to be great for Tavistock. It gives us as local business owners the opportunity to really change things for the better.

'The funds it will generate will help us put Tavistock on the map and encourage even more visitors to the town.'

Any business owners or managers in the town who would like to be involved, are asked to contact Lisa Wadling on 01822 618115 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

The next public meeting is Tuesday March 29 at 6pm at Gallery 26 in the Bedford Hotel. The draft business plan will be available to view and comment on.