MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion says the Business Improvement District (BID) will bring about economic and tourism benefits for Strabane and is encouraging businesses and traders to vote YES when they ballot on 21 April.
Giving her support to the BID, the Mayor says it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for businesses in Strabane to make a real difference and to be at the cusp of any decision making on the future development plans for Strabane town centre.
She says: “Voting for the BID will give local traders the opportunity to work alongside Council to self-manage and self-fund improvement projects which they feel will be of benefit to the Strabane area through tackling specific local issues.
“By working together they can not only have a direct say in the future planning and development of the town but they will reap the benefits of the scheme once it’s implemented.
“The overall aim of the BID is to attract more shoppers and visitors to the area, as well as bring in investment and economic prosperity.
“This is hugely exciting opportunity for Strabane and I am confident that local traders will see the benefits of signing up to BID to secure a better economic future for the town.
“I believe that the BID will allow local traders to manage their businesses more effectively and in true partnership with one another to enhance Strabane’s business development opportunities and create real economic growth” she added.
Catherine Collins, is the Business Improvement District (BID) Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council says she is continuing to work closely with businesses in Strabane to promote the benefits of the BID to them.
She explains: “If voted through the BID will be financed and led by the business community to invest in improvements for the benefit of Strabane town centre.
“BID members will be encouraged to work together, to share ideas and get support from one another to develop an enhanced business model for Strabane. Ballot papers and copies of the final business plan have been distributed with the postal ballot scheduled to close on Thursday, April 21.
“The vote will be counted and announced on 22nd April. Local businesses across the town are being encouraged to give BID their support and help make real change for Strabane.
“If the vote is carried by a simple majority (50% or more) of both the number of properties and the rateable value, a yes vote will be declared and the BID will become operational.
“In the event of a yes vote, all eligible businesses in the BID area must pay the levy, however they voted in the ballot and even if they choose not to vote.”
Businesses looking for more information about BID are urged to contact Catherine Collins –[email protected] or [email protected] More information on the project is also available at www.bidinstrabane.com
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