Traders urged to attend Dorchester BID meeting (From Dorset Echo)

Traders urged to attend Dorchester BID meeting

11:46am Thursday 17th January 2013 in News

TRADERS are being urged to attend a key meeting in Dorchester to determine the future direction of the BID (Business Improvement District).

The BID team are holding the meeting for levy payers on Tuesday January 22 as they prepare for a re-ballot later in the year on whether to extend the scheme for another five-year term.

BID chairman Peter Legg said he was hoping for a good turnout at the Wessex Royale Hotel, with the venue open from 5.45pm for a 6pm start.

He said: “We are looking forward to them attending the meeting.
“We intend to address where the BID is going and what it is doing.”

The meeting comes after more than 20 traders in the town signed a letter calling for an emergency general meeting to raise concerns about the BID.

David Taylor, who instigated the letter, said he was pleased to report that most of the concerns felt by the traders had already been addressed and he was glad to see the lines of communication were now back open.

He added that it was time for everyone to now join forces together and move forward in the same direction.

Mr Taylor said: “The direction of the BID has been refocused at long last with the new chair on board.

“After having several meetings with various members of the BID board and the chair the communication links have been re-established and it is now becoming apparent that the BID is delivering what the business community really needs.”

He added that the success of the BID in Dorchester and the fact it made it a more attractive place to businesses was evident in the fact Weymouth was now considering following in the footsteps of the county town.

Mr Taylor said: “Weymouth has seen how the BID can have a tremendous positive influence in a town.”

He added: “The meeting is businesses chance to get the feedback they require from all of the board and it's a two-way process so they can better understand the traders' requirements as well.

“It should deliver a positive direction for the town.”

 

Projects undertaken since the BID was introduced in 2008

- Successfully campaigned for free parking in West Dorset District Council car parks on evenings and weekends
- Raised £3,000 for a parking refund scheme
- Persuaded Dorset County Council to make improvements to park and ride service
- Negotiated with West Dorset District Council to install pay-by-phone RingGo system for car parks
- Installed on-street recycling bins in South Street
- Produced welcome packs and shoppers guides for visitors
- Helped businesses join the Virtual Dorchester project, allowing people to explore the county town online
- Financial support for street entertainment and major events such as Dorchester Carnival and Christmas Cracker
- Introduced parking ambassadors to help direct shoppers to parking spaces and provide information and a friendly welcome for visitors
- Funded an extra 30 hanging baskets in partnership with Dorchester Town Council
- Worked in partnership with the Dorchester Stop the Drop anti-litter campaign to co-fund more than 70 cigarette butt bins