Tempers flare over future of Dorchester BID (From Dorset Echo)

Tempers flare over future of Dorchester BID

10:31am Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News By Samantha Harman

Dorchester BID chairman Peter Legg

LEVY payers and board members were urged to put the mistakes of the past behind them and vote yes to a new term at a meeting of the Dorchester BID (Business Improvement District).
Tempers flared as traders voiced their concerns over extending the scheme for another five years after 20 had signed a letter calling for an emergency meeting to address the board.
Chairman Peter Legg said extending the BID was essential to ensure Dorchester didn’t become a ‘little town.’
He added: “If you deal with businesses in Weymouth you will know they are desperate for a BID because they want to emulate our success.”
He added that concerns over communication were being addressed with each of the 420 levy payers being assigned to a board member they could go to with any issues.

Levy payer Ray Slater of The Salvation Army said: “How are you going to convince us to vote yes to another five years when you have failed against your key indicators on the BID mandate?
“This board is still the same board. We haven’t achieved any of our key indicators.
“I am not saying some of the things you have done aren’t wonderful, some have been very good.
“But when it comes to re-voting, how can you expect that when you have failed?”
Mr Legg replied: “I have only been on the board since April and chairman since November. And since November I have spent a lot of time arguing with people over mis-information and wrong facts.
“I am trying to get everything back on track.”
The ballot, which was originally pushed back from February 2013 until April, will now take place in June.
Mr Legg explained that should the scheme be extended, it will take a hiatus until September when a new board will be chosen.
Malcolm Curtis of Redtale Holdings said: “To sit here listening to us air our dirty laundry in public is a real shame.
“I would propose that we put the past behind us and we move forward with a new board.
“We can forget this tenure and just remember all the good which the BID has done over the last five years.
“The town does look better.”

What do you think? Leave your comments below or email Samantha Harman on samantha.harman@dorsetecho.co.uk