Mansfield District Council is backing the ongoing support of the BID (Business Improvement District) in Mansfield town centre.

The council will be voting ‘Yes’ in a forthcoming postal ballot running from 17 October 2014 to 13 November 2014, which will determine whether the Mansfield BID will continue for another five years. Non-domestic rate payers will also be casting their vote.

In a delegated decision, the council also endorsed the BID’s business plan, which focuses on six key themes for the town centre, to be delivered over the next five years. These include:

•cleanliness
•easy access
•safety and security
•attractiveness
•investment
•marketing

The council is also committed to providing free office accommodation for the BID, if they are successful in the ballot.

Cllr Kate Allsop, Portfolio Holder for Economic Regeneration, said: “Our support of the BID is part of our ongoing commitment to the revitalisation and long term sustainability of the Town Centre. The BID is seeking to generate funding of around £100,000 through voluntary contributions, sponsorships and grants, which will increase Mansfield’s competitive position, as well as enhancing the visitor experience. We want to do all we can to work with and support our local business community.”

Mansfield town centre and the Mansfield BID were recently praised in a national report on The Great British High Street, produced by Southampton University, which highlighted the success of the town’s introduction of free Wi-Fi and its impact on the local economy.

For the BID to continue beyond April, a simple majority is required, both in terms of the number of votes cast and the sum total of the rateable value of the businesses that vote. This ensures that a BID proposal cannot be forced through by larger businesses against the wishes of smaller businesses, or vice versa.

Pictured are BID crime manager Dave Wilson, Cllr Kate Allsop, BID co-ordinator Sue Rogers and BID ambassador Daryl Mcgreade.