TRADERS are being urged to attend a key meeting in Dorchester to determine the future direction of the BID – the town’s Business Improvement District.
The BID team are holding the meeting for levy payers on Tuesday as it prepares 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 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.”
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.
* Negotiated with West Dorset District Council to install pay-by-phone RingGo system for car parks.
* 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.
* Worked in partnership with the Dorchester Stop the Drop to co-fund more than 70 cigarette butt bins.
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