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Aug 2023

Last Updated: 28/08/2023

Business

Discussions revive idea to create Knaresborough BID

by John Plummer

| 28 Aug, 2023

Discussions have begun about reviving the idea of creating a business improvement district in Knaresborough.

Traders in Harrogate and Ripon both voted to have BIDs but Knaresborough firms rejected the idea by 80 votes to 73 two years ago.

However, a Facebook group called Get the BID for Knaresborough back on track has been set up.

Supporters say the move would boost trade and improve the town centre. Opponents say a BID is unnecessary and would reopen wounds.

If a BID is created, town centre businesses with rateable values above £2,500 would pay levies that would generate about £140,000 a year for schemes that increase town centre footfall.

Neil Smith, a disabled former taxi driver who set up the Facebook group, said the BID could improve the town's notoriously difficult parking and lead on issues such as street cleaning and floral displays.

Mr Smith said his experience as a Blue Badge holder had highlighted how acute town centre parking problems were for people with mobility issues and a BID could push for solutions.

He said:

"If people can't park, businesses will fail because of lack of footfall.

"If I was a business owner in Knaresborough and could have things like better parking, cleaner streets and a more appealing town centre all for a £1 a day I'd be all for it. Who else is going to do these things?"

'We don't want this to happen again'

Knaresborough Business Collective, which was formed in 2021 in response to the failed BID vote, runs various town centre initiatives such as supplying hanging baskets and Christmas trees and organising annual awards.

It published a social media post this week saying there was no need for a BID, and questioning whether another ballot so soon was appropriate. It added:

"It is less than two years since a no majority was received, if a yes majority had been achieved we would not be allowed a revote for five years. I believe the same should be the case now.

"The town was massively divided after BID and we really don’t want this to happen again."

The post urged businesses to contact Knaresborough Town Council with their views on a second BID vote.

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Peter Lacey, an executive member of business group Knaresborough and District Chamber, said:

"Chamber has neither initiated nor can comment on an official basis as to whether it would be in support of rerunning the BID process in the town at this time.

"We are focussed on promoting our great town, addressing concerns about the recent installation of electric vehicle charging points in the town in as constructive way as possible, and preparing to work collaboratively across the town to attract new investment through North Yorkshire Council’s shared prosperity funding."

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Discussions revive idea to create Knaresborough BID

'We don't want this to happen again'

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