GARSTANG may soon be bidding to become a BID (Business Improvement District) - and if the idea takes off there could be big spin-offs for traders and shoppers.
Business people in the town, who were briefed about the idea earlier this year, have so far adopted a cautious attitude.
Full details of the proposal are to be spelled out at a meeting of traders and business people next Thursday (May 15).
The meet
ing will hear details about the benefits of becoming a business improvement district - and the costs, which could be between 0.5% and 1.5% extra on top of current business rates.
Businesses backing the idea would have to agree to proposal, and the funding, and the final decision on any bid by Garstang, would have to be approved by the government.
The cash raised by the extra levy would be used to boost projects and services to benefit the Garstang business community
The idea has taken on particular significance because the Garstang Partnership, which has operated as a catalyst for new economic and social projects over the past three years and is helping to organise next week's meeting, is likely to be wound up in Spring 2009.
There have also been concerns that the opening of the new Booths store, likely in mid-summer 2009, could result in a loss of trade in High Street shops.
Garstang Chamber of Trade has already encouraged traders to examine and consider the BID idea.
The meeting is being held on Thursday, May 15, at 5.30pm at Garstang Arts Centre.
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