TAVISTOCK’S Business Improvement District (BID) scheme has been voted in for a second term following a close ballot.

Votes were cast on Friday as to whether the town’s shop owners should continue to be part of the scheme which sees businesses pay a levy on the rateable value of their premises into a ring-fenced account used to market the town, increase footfall and improve visitor experience.

Last week, 54% of businesses voted to keep Tavistock BID for another five years. To make sure that the interests of both large and small businesses were considered, the ballot had to be won on both a majority in number and also by rateable value majority of business ratepayers in the proposed BID area. Both of these conditions were met and a majority of the business ratepayers in the proposed BID area who voted, voted in favour of the proposal.

BID manager Lisa Piper said: ‘We are pleased with the result so we can continue to deliver existing projects and now start work on the new business plan. We are aware though that a number of businesses voted no and we need to ensure we engage more with all types of businesses within the area and improve communication to the business community of what we are doing.’

The BID was formed in 2011 after more than 75% of businesses voted in favour of the scheme. The project generates an annual budget of just under £70,000 and has seen the implementation of £2 all-day parking in several of the town’s car parks, installation of new directional signs to help signpost people to shops off the high street, provided 172 hanging baskets to businesses and managed to obtain a gold award within the three years it has entered Britain in Bloom as well as carrying out other projects. These projects are said to have increased footfall.

West Devon Borough Council’s lead member for economy Cllr Robert Oxborough said: ‘On balance, the BID has demonstrated its positive value to the town centre. However, it is clear from the narrow vote and from what we have heard from a number of traders in Tavistock, that BID needs to focus on measures to encourage people into the town and shops on a more regular basis and I hope that it works to achieve this.’

BID aims to support and promote the town’s vibrant trading community.?The partnership between BID and the local business community will now continue to develop initiatives and services which are hoped to benefit the trading environment within the area, delivering projects and developing an overarching business plan for the town.