Plans for Ashford Business Improvement District move step closer

Plans to revive Ashford town centre by creating a Business Improvement District (BID) have moved a step closer, but councillors warned the costs could “push them over the edge”.

The idea is to set up a Business Improvement District (BID) where local firms club together by paying a levy to fund things like events, extra cleaning, security and marketing. It is a model already used in places like Staines and Twickenham.

But the big sticking point is money. The report suggests a 2.9 per cent levy on businesses, which would raise around £80,000 a year- much higher than typical levy rates.

“I think the 2.9 per cent will just kill it dead,” warned Cllr Paul Woodward. “Businesses are running on such a tight budget it will push them over the edge.”

Consultation documents show, in the last 12 months, 42 per cent of businesses said their performance has either reduced or remained static.

Cllr Michele Gibson agreed, claiming Ashford is “not on the economic high road” currently. She said: “I suspect it would be more difficult to drag money out of businesses in Ashford. But I do think that the benefits will outweigh that risk.”

Others said Ashford badly needs the boost. Cllr Howard Williams said the BID is “not just about tarting the streets up” but improving Ashford town.

Members of the Business, Infrastructure and Growth Committee agreed to move forward with the scheme at a meeting on September 11.

Cllr Darren Clarke said many residents are frustrated with how far the high street has slipped: “They are all disappointed that the high street has just deteriorated and deteriorated … If this can help generate that lovely town again, I would absolutely be for it.”

Out of 240 businesses around Ashford town centre, only 76 responded to consultation discussions around a BID. Council reports reveal 61 per cent said they would support testing the BID idea in a formal vote, 31 per cent said they were not sure, and just 8 per cent were against.

But scepticism remained among councillors questioning how popular the BID would be and whether it would be worth the effort. Cllr Woodward said: “So less than a quarter of the businesses that you went to are actually in favour of this taking place.”

With the council needing to fork out £40-50,000 just to get the project to a vote, Cllr Lawrence Nichols questioned whether it was even worth the risk if businesses turned round and said no.