BOURNEMOUTH Coastal BID has won backing from businesses to continue for another five-year term.

The news followed the announcement that its counterpart the Bournemouth Town Centre BID had also won a new mandate from levy-paying traders.

The Costal BID won the backing of 78.7 per cent of voters taking part in the poll.

It won 122 votes of the 155 cast – a turnout of 28.44 per cent.

To win a new term, BIDs need to secure the support of 50 per cent of businesses taking part in the vote. Those “yes” votes also need to represent a majority of the rateable value of the voting businesses.

The backing for the Coastal BID came to 92.13 per cent by rateable value.

BID chairman Paul Clarke said: “We would like to thank our levy-paying businesses for confirming that they would like the Coastal BID to continue to represent their areas for a third term.

“This highlights the value of the work we have been doing, and we will continue to listen to the thoughts and ideas of businesses over the next five years so that we can make a real difference. “Our area, being heavy with hospitality and retail, was hit hard by the pandemic and the lockdowns and we are still in recovery.

“We will aim to bolster security and green initiatives, boost footfall, encourage visitors and continue to organise events and create installations.

“And we are looking forward to working with partners including BCP Council, Bournemouth Area Hospitality association (BAHA), the Future Towns Fund, Visit England and the other local BIDs.

“Events, projects, innovations, installations, and investments that are in the planning stages can now be advanced and delivered.

“We are grateful for this vote of confidence and welcome any thoughts and ideas from those within our area.”

The deputy leader of BCP Council, Cllr Philip Broadhead, said: “The miles of coastline, award-winning beaches and well-loved surrounding towns and villages are iconic and one of the most recognisable aspects of Bournemouth, and the Coastal BID has played a pivotal role in allowing businesses in those areas to continue to grow and develop over recent years.

"Continuing to develop the offering on our seafront and beyond, ensuring it remains world-class for visitors and residents to enjoy year-round, from peak summer season right through to the cooler months, is key in the council's Big Plan and the Coastal BID will play a crucial role in this moving forward."

The ballot was facilitated and ratified with the assistance of BCP Council in conjunction with Civica Election Services. 

Both the Coastal BID and Bournemouth Town Centre BID will now continue in operation until 2027