BIDs
Business Improvement District scheme (BIDs) - Autumn 2009
WITHAM WINS - BIDs SUCCESS
Driving Witham Forward

The result of the ballot for Business Improvement District status (BIDs) for Witham industrial areas, was declared by the Electoral Reform Services on the 10th August 2009. The result was: 62.5% of the votes cast were in favour of the BIDs scheme and the votes represented 76.10% of the rateable value of those voting. The full Declaration of Result is attached for your information.

Safer and cleaner industrial estates are key aims of the Witham Industrial Watch Business Improvement District plan. Business owners and employees on Freebournes Road, Crittall Road, Eastways, Swanvale and Coleman’s Bridge industrial estates could all benefit if funds raised by a small levy are used to make improvements to their estates. Many small companies have limited resources but by pooling a small levy from every company, collected by Braintree District Council, the money can be used to make a safer and cleaner place for everyone. Surveys highlighted areas of concern that could be improved in a drive to deter criminal activity and to make the area more attractive to future investors by:
• additional security measures
• an automatic number recognition system
• improved signage
• well lit footpaths
• parking provision
• litter reduction
The Yes vote means that after 5 years of work with Witham Industrial Watch the directors can now implement the proposals in the BIDs document. They will be meeting to develop the action plan and to ensure that the views of the majority on the industrial estates are put into action.

A special thanks should go to BDC and their officers who have supported the BIDs proposal and assisted with the ballot arrangements.

Click here to read the BIDs Proposal (Opens in a new window).