WIMBORNE has become a Business Improvement District.

Ninety six businesses returned a ‘yes’ ballot paper in the vote, making Wimborne the second town in Dorset to seek BID status to improve its fortunes, attracting more customers and competing with other destinations.

They will now pay a levy on their business rates, creating nearly £100,000 to be spend in the town each year.

And only they will decide how it is spent.

Wimborne’s successful ballot, carried out by the Electoral Reform Services, comes after two years of work from volunteers.

A conference was held at Allendale House yesterday to discuss the next steps. Businesses will elect a new board of directors to start putting the approved business plan into practice. More than 130 BIDs have been set up in the UK since the concept emerged in 2004 to put the power back in the hands of businesses.

Most other BID proposals received between £30,000 to £60,000 in council funding, but Wimborne’s has been carried for less than £15,000.

Turnout was 53.9 per cent, higher than the national average of 46.5 per cent. BID director Marin Tidd said: “We made it. Everyone who has been involved with the process has worked very hard to bring it to fruition because they believe it is the best way forward for Wimborne’s businesses and the whole community.

“There is an enormous amount more we can do for the town.”

Suggested ideas include joint advertising and having a Christmas skate rink on the minster green.

Although not everyone was celebrating the result.

Prettymades bridal wear owner Sam Everard doesn’t buy the arguments that everyone will benefit.

“The BID won’t help me at all because our business is so specialist,” she said.

“Festivals may bring people into Wimborne and the cafes, bars and restaurants, but they are not going to get people buying wedding dresses.

“Brides will choose which shops to go to based on where they live and reputation.

“In fact there’s a downside when there are things on because if streets are closed, girls cancel their appointments.

“Customers are put off, which drags my business down. I’d be better off spending the compulsory levy on my own advertising.”

Jenny Whiteside of Golden Hands haberdashery and wool shop agrees.

She said: “Events don’t work in our favour. Visitors mill around at stalls and don’t come into shops, and residents don’t go about their normal business either. The folk festival is my worst weekend all year.”