STRATFORD BID has secured its future after winning a government appeal.
The business improvement district announced the government’s decision to uphold a successful ballot result which saw local businesses elect it for another five-year term.
The ballot, back in February, saw 75 businesses out of 138 vote for the BID and its business plan.
But the result was challenged by BAGS (Business Action Groups Stratford) who argued the ballot, organised by Stratford District Council, was invalid as it should have been for a new BID not a “renewal vote”.
BAGS wrote to Michael Gove, the then Communities Secretary, stating that BID had raised the rateable value threshold for voting from £9,500 to £15,000, thus disqualifying 110 businesses from taking part, and had expanded the geographical area of the BID to include the Maybird Centre, off Birmingham Road, and Morrisons supermarket, off Alcester Road.
After a four-month investigation, however, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Levelling Up informed BID that the result of the ballot should not be voided.
BID will now be able to continue its operations including the projects and initiatives outlined in its business plan.
It also plans to appoint a new BID manager to spearhead the plan.
A BID spokesperson said: “This marks a fresh start for the BID company as it enters its 16th year of operation, poised to bring about positive change and growth in the Stratford business community.
“Exciting new initiatives are on the horizon for the BID, including funding allocated exclusively for additional Police in the BID area, the organisation of the annual Christmas lights switch-on event in November, sponsorship of the town’s Christmas lights, and the upcoming Food Festival scheduled for September.
“Looking ahead to next year, the Motor Festival will make a return, accompanied by a series of events and initiatives aimed at supporting local businesses, promoting community engagement, and driving footfall in the town.
“The BID company urges all local businesses to work with the BID and to collaborate in making the next five years a period of growth and prosperity for Stratford.”
