BUSINESSES in Poole town centre have been given the final chance to help shape their future.

Consultation meetings will be held at six locations on September 14-15 to discuss the proposed business improvement district.

Meetings will be held at the Town Centre Partnership office for the central and upper High Street areas and Chapel Lane, on day one, at 10am or 2pm. Another will be held at the Dolphin Shopping Centre for High Street North, on day one, at 6pm, then again the following day at 12pm for the Poole Train line to North Street areas.

Then Old Town businesses can meet at the Blue Boar on September 15 at 4pm, while Poole Quay members can meet at 5pm at the Thistle Hotel.

General manager of the Thistle Hotel, Jonathan Bowen, said: “The Business Improvement District is an integral part of securing the long-term success of Poole and all businesses in the area. By targeting initiatives to bring people into Poole, the BID has immense potential to help the town thrive commercially again.”

It is believed the BID could generate around £330,000 per year, together with potential match-funding, to provide improvements and attractions to the area, run by the business community to revitalise the town centre.

Mark Heffer, owner of the Custom House, added: “By coming together to provide our opinions during these consultations, businesses within the Poole Town Centre are being empowered. We need to take control of our own fortunes to help drive the town towards a more fruitful future.”

For more information contact Hannah Porter at hannah@pooletowncentre.com.