BEDFORD’S Business Improvement District is to close at the end of its current term.
Levy-paying businesses in the town centre have voted not to renew the Bid’s work in the town centre for another five years in a ballot that attracted only 129 votes – a 30% turnout.
The current BID will continue its current activity and services until March 31 next year.
In the ballot, 45 levy-payers voted in favour of another five-year term. 84 voted against.
The BID’s volunteer chair Samantha Laycock said: “We are devastated by this outcome. Our team has worked tirelessly to support the businesses and community in Bedford town centre, and we believed passionately in our vision for the next five years.”
Bedford BID was among the original tranche of Business Improvement Districts that began work in 2005, one of 12 BIDs that piloted the independent business-led model in the UK.
However, it lost the support of Bedford Borough Council in September this year, when councillors were told that the BID’s renewal proposals “lack ambition for revitalising the town centre and simply propose to deliver more of the same”.
Mayor and council leader Tom Wootton said that, since he was elected Mayor in May, businesses had called on him to scrap the BID due to its lack of support for them.
Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce has said it will work with Bedford Borough Council and businesses in the town to maintain visitor numbers to Bedford town centre and economic growth.
“While some will naturally be disappointed that the BID will not continue beyond March, it is important that we now focus on ensuring that local businesses and the town centre remain supported during this transition,” said the Chamber’s chief executive Justin Richardson.
“The BID has played a significant role in driving initiatives that have helped enhance Bedford’s town centre experience. Its absence will undoubtedly present new challenges but the Chamber is committed to working closely with local businesses and Bedford Borough Council to explore alternative ways to maintain momentum in promoting footfall and economic growth.
“We will continue to champion the needs of the local business community, ensuring that Bedford remains a vibrant and attractive place to work, shop and invest. The change presents an opportunity for a fresh perspective and we are ready to engage with partners to shape the future of the town centre.
The BID will continue to operate until the end of March next year. Its work will be taken over as part of Bedford Council’s town centre improvement and regeneration programme.
“We would also like to thank the supporters of the BID and many other partner organisation for the last 20 years of mutual support and wish Bedford Council the best with their vision for a safe and welcoming town centre,” said Ms Laycock.
Further updates will be provided as the BID outlines the next steps for businesses and the town, she added.
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