The result, which was announced on Monday, means 478 businesses in the town centre will pay an annual sum of 1.5 per cent of their rateable value for the next five years toward projects encouraging more people to visit and shop in Leamington.

Those behind BID Leamington describe it as "major step forward for the town" and a chance to keep and attract new customers.

In total around £300,000 will be raised for projects including TV and radio marketing campaigns, improved street signs and events such as street entertainment, markets and festivals as well as the established Christmas lights and hanging baskets schemes.

The 'yes' result follows a year-long campaign by the BID shadow board and fulfils the majority requirement with 61 per cent of votes cast in favour.

But only 41 per cent of businesses in the BID area chose to cast their ballot with 120 voting 'yes' and 76 voting against the scheme.

Despite the low turnout BID manager Helen Smith was "thrilled" at the result. She said: "Through the campaign it has been great to see the enthusiasm to move Leamington forward.

"The hard work continues now to ensure we deliver a first class BID."
BID chairman and Royal Priors manager Gerry McManus described it as a "landmark" for the town centre's future and said it would allow Leamington to compete "on a level playing field" with rival towns and cities such as Solihull and Coventry.

The Warwick County Council councillor in charge of economic regeneration Chris Saint said: "We are delighted with this excellent BID result.

"It will give the business community a real opportunity to deliver projects they want that will make a big difference to their trading environment and give them a lot more influence generally with what happens in their town."

BID projects will get underway this summer and will be in addition to those already provided by local authorities.

The idea originated in Canada in the 1970s and Leamington has become the 71st place in the UK to have Business Improvement Districts.
www.bidleamington.com