THE BID would involve a levy of one per cent of rateable value - but it would mean improvements for the town centre and knock-on effects for businesses.

Every week, a business person in Dorchester is acting as the BID champion to say why they want the scheme to go ahead.

Here Mark Allwood, fundraising manager at Dorset County Museum, says why he is backing the scheme.

"THE DORSET County Museum fully supports the Dorchester BID.

"This and the surrounding countryside town has a fantastic wealth of local history, from the Romans to Thomas Hardy to the nearby Jurassic Coast - but we really need to be shouting about it more, and letting the outside world know just how much Dorchester has to offer.

"As the county museum, we have a lot to gain from the increased promotion of the town that will benefit from the BID.

"However, we also recognise what huge benefits the BID will bring to all businesses in the town.

"A cleaner, safer, more attractive and vibrant town centre will help to attract more visitors, and encourage them to stay longer.

"The immediate benefit to anyone running a shop or restaurant in the town is obvious - but the BID will also benefit everyone who works, lives in or visits the town.

"There cannot be many - if any - schemes like this, where all of the money raised is completely ring-fenced for the benefit of the town centre, and used on projects the local businesses themselves vote on.

"I would urge everyone who hasn't already voted yes' to do so - and, if you need any more convincing, to visit the BID website (www.dorchesterdorset.co.uk) to find out more about the exciting projects in the pipeline."