TOWN centre traders in Poole are being urged to back efforts to boost the area through the setting-up of a business improvement district (BID).

Poole Town Centre Partnership is holding a meeting on today in an effort to show how the idea could boost the central and Quay areas.

Neighbouring Bournemouth already has two BIDs, one for its town centre and one for coastal districts such as Westbourne and Southbourne.

BIDs are funded through a levy on business rate-payers and spend their money on improving and promoting their areas. The launch of a new BID has to be backed for a fixed term by a ballot of rate-payers.

Thursday’s meeting, at 6.30pm in the Dolphin Centre, will hear from Steve Townsend of Weston-Super-Mare BID and Stefan Krause, manager of the Bournemouth Coastal BID.

Jonathan Sibbett, chairman of Poole Town Centre Partnership Board, said: “The proposal for a BID in the town centre and Quay areas will see a range of projects and initiatives developed and put forward that are intended to support the vitality and vibrancy of the town centre.

“We want the town centre business community to get involved in helping to decide the priorities and actions that a BID could deliver for our town.

“We hope to hear from all the town centre businesses on how we can all work together to create a more prosperous future for Poole.”

The meeting follows a feasibility report in 2014 and the presentations will show how a BID can work and how businesses can take part in the debate.

After Thursday’s launch, a period of consultation will take place with businesses in the proposed BID area to develop an action plan.

A draft action plan is expected by the autumn, with more consultation over the winter and a yes/no ballot in spring 2016.

There are more than 200 BIDs across the UK.

Supporters of the idea point out that more than 90 per cent of BIDs which sought a second term were backed in their second ballot with an increased majority. A handful have entered a third term.

Poole Town Centre Partnership is a partnership between businesses and the Borough of Poole. It aims to deliver a series of projects to support the economic wellbeing of the town centre.

Anyone wanting to go to the meeting should email info@poolebid.com