'Eyes of the nation on our BID vote' (From Gazette & Herald)

'Eyes of the nation on our BID vote'

MALTON and Norton will be trail-blazers nationally if the towns' traders back the proposed Business Investment District initiative, says Jason FitzGerald-Smith, chairman of the Malton Norton Initiative (MNI).

He told its board: "We are told that the eyes of all of Yorkshire and the country are on our towns as we go into the voting for the BID status."

He said that it had now been decided that ballot papers would be issued on March 14 by Ryedale District Council, with the counting of votes and declaration of the result on April 12.

Town centre manager Peter Mudge said that calls were being made to the 580 businesses in the towns, seeking their support. "More and more people are now beginning to see the potential advantages of backing the BID," he added.

Under the scheme, businesses will pay a precept of 1.5 per cent with a top limit of £750 which will be used to promote the towns and stage special events. The scheme will run for five years and is the first of its kind in the north of England.

Mr Fitzgerald-Smith said: "Our aim is to get the maximum possible response from businesses, and for it to be a 'yes' vote."

If the go-ahead is given to the idea, a new Malton Norton Initiative company will be set up with a new name and new directors.

He said the majority of businesses contacted so far were in favour of the BID.

The campaign is to hot up with hundreds of stickers being issued to shops and other business premises, and eight 4ft x 4ft boards being put up in key places urging support for the BID.

Yorkshire Forward has told that board that it will look favourably on providing matched funding for capital projects up to £30,000.

Events planned for this year include rock band workshops, a radio presenter workshop, evening concerts, a country and western event, jazz in the Market Place, an art exhibition, music hall shows in local pubs, poetry readings from stars from television's Emmerdale and EastEnders, an Italian evening and fortnightly lunchtime concerts.

All are aimed at attracting more people into Malton and Norton, said Mr Mudge.

MNI has now formally submitted its BID scheme application which includes a business plan and other reports.

It says that calculations indicate that it could raise £90,000 a year to help to boost the towns' economy. The BID will be collected by Ryedale District Council and paid to MNI.

Directors and management team members will be volunteers, says the submission, adding that it aims to see general improvements in the trading areas of the towns and specific improvements for certain areas. "This is intended to ensure that businesses can see real as well as general benefits," it says.

A meeting is to be held between Simon Boak, the operator of Malton's Saturday market, Mr FitzGerald-Smith, Peter Mudge and Coun Paul Andrews to discuss ways of improving the market.

Updated: 15:37 Wednesday, February 22, 2006