Thank you for your interest in this story

To continue reading this article, subscribe to the Stray Ferret for as little as £1 a week

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

Oct 2021

Last Updated: 22/10/2021

Business

Business owners walk out of Knaresborough chamber meeting over rejected BID

by Suzannah Rogerson

| 22 Oct, 2021

This week's Knaresborough Chamber AGM saw tensions flare after talk moved onto the rejected BID. The issue is still dividing opinion as some businesses chose to walk out of the meeting early.

A group of Knaresborough businesses walked out of this week's chamber meeting after tensions rose over the rejected BID.

Last week businesses in the town voted narrowly to reject forming a BID. The outcome caused a wave of acrimonious allegations about the process from both sides.

Outgoing chamber president, Steve Teggin who was pro-BID, wrote a letter accusing a small number of business of influencing votes which led to its rejection.

At Wednesday's meeting these businesses strongly rejected claims they had changed the minds of voters.

One business owner who was there reported that around 16 people walked out with another saying it felt "very divided".

30,000 poppies to cover Knaresborough castle for Remembrance Day

Bar and restaurant planned for former Knaresborough bank

Peter Lacey, membership secretary of the chamber, said:

"Time was spent talking about future opportunities but recent history like the BID was also brought up. There were some heated exchanges and towards the end there was a group of people that left.

"We need to move on from that there is a future for chamber to talk about. We need to move forward."

The chamber had earlier discussed filling vacancies on its senior board. There are five vacant positions after Mr Teggin and Bill Taylor - secretary and treasurer of the chamber - stepped down.

The vacant positions are; president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and social secretary.

The positions weren't filled on the night as chamber rules state people must be nominated to take on the roles. Instructions on how to nominate will be sent out next week.

He said the 80-member strong chamber is looking ahead to working with the town's businesses on future projects.

Kelly Teggin, chamber member and business owner, said:

"I am looking forward to new people joining chamber and we had some great idea’s at the AGM that will make Chamber more up to date. New leaders and new members will bring a new beginnings."

Thank you for your interest in this story

Business owners walk out of Knaresborough chamber meeting over rejected BID

Read more: