A PLAN to set up a private sector-led group to help promote Basingstoke and attract more interest in the town centre has come under fire from councillors.

As previously reported by The Gazette, Basingstoke Town Centre Forum, in partnership with local businesses and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, has been working on a proposal to form a Business Improvement District (BID).

It is claimed this would allow businesses and employers to work together to improve the town’s economy and entice more customers to come to the area.

Through the payment of a small levy, additional activities could be funded to finance public and business events, environmental improvements, bulk buying between businesses to save money or a more expansive Christmas lights display.

The BID would enable businesses to buy in extra services above and beyond what they already receive from the borough council through the payment of standard business rates.

An initial feasibility study has been carried out by economic development and regeneration specialists, The Means, with 76 per cent of businesses supporting the concept of creating a BID.

Successful BIDS have already been set up in Camberley, Newbury, Reading and Winchester.

But councillors expressed concern about various aspects of the BID, including the impact on local residents and questions over whether smaller businesses on the edge of the mapped out zones would benefit from being part of it.

Eastrop councillor Gavin James said: “We are effectively setting up an urban parish council where we have a group who have tax raising powers that can make decisions that will have an impact on residents but unlike any other parish council, residents have no right to vote or discuss matters. My first responsibility is to these residents and I am not having that being imposed on.”

He added: “I am proud of what we have achieved in the Top of The Town in recent years. I think we should pay for it and keep the Top of The Town going. I would prefer, and feel more comfortable, with the BID boundary keeping at the retail area of the town centre.”

But Conservative councillor for Tadley Central, Jonathan Richards, supported the plans and said it would help to “liven” and “animate” the town centre.

Cllr Richards said: “This is a very good thing for Basingstoke and we are one of a few towns locally without a BID.”

Defending the proposals, deputy leader and the Cabinet member responsible for the town centre programme, Cllr Terri Reid, said: “The Top of The Town programme will continue and it is not going to be replaced by the BID.

“There is no intention for that to happen. The BID is in addition to the work we are doing with the Top of The Town programme.”

The proposals will be considered to see if they comply with regulations, with a BID campaign set to start this autumn.