SUPPORTERS of plans to set up a Business Improvement District (BID) in Poole town centre have set out their case to traders.

BIDs are funded by a levy on business rate-payers and are set up to deliver initiatives that will enable their local areas to thrive.

To go ahead, they must win the backing of a majority of traders in a local ballot.

Poole Town Centre Partnership invited businesses to hear it argue that a BID could improve business in the town.

Jonathan Sibbett, chairman of Poole Town Centre Partnership Board, said: “This BID is all about the local Poole businesses being given a democratic voice and influence over what happens in the town.

“If successful, the BID will give businesses the opportunity to forward plan, and think about long term strategies to help them thrive.

“The evening’s discussion is just the start of the consultation process. We will continue to speak with all of the businesses from the high street, quay and town centre, answering any questions they may have, listening to their priorities and what they would like to see from the suggested BID.”

The meeting heard of Steve Townsend from Weston-super-Mare BID and Stefan Krause from Bournemouth Coastal BID, who each talked about how BID schemes had benefited their areas.

A presentation reviewed the feasibility report done in 2014 and its findings on how a successful BID could work.

Guests were invited to ask questions and share their opinions about the proposed Poole BID.

A detailed consultation will now take place with businesses in the proposed Poole BID area. It will help develop an action plan.

A draft business plan is expected by September, with further consultation over the winter with businesses.

A ‘yes/no’ ballot over the proposals is expected to take place in February 2016.

BIDs run for five years, with another consultation and ballot needed if they are to continue for longer.

BIDs have to publish an annual audit of their delivery against the targets in their plan.

There are more than 200 BIDs in operation across the country. Of those who have sought a second term, more than 90 per cent have won backing in a ballot, and a handful have begun a third term.