Business scheme renewal marks 'bright future'

232 businesses voted in favour of renewing the city's Business Improvement District

Businesses in Hereford have voted to retain a Business Improvement District (BID) in the city's high street.

The scheme has been renewed for the next five years with a plan to boost events, projects and marketing.

Votes were cast by 255 businesses, of which 232 were in favour of a new term for the BID.

Chairman Paul Stevens said the results represented a "bright future for Hereford" and would "build on the 10 years of work we have already done" caring, championing and supporting businesses.

A BID is a defined area where a levy is charged on business rate payers. The money is used to develop projects which aim to benefit companies in the area.

The Hereford BID business plan for 2025 to 2030 has three themes, described as Destination Hereford, the visitor experience and the voices of businesses.

Chief executive Mike Truelove said the next five years would see the development of the Hereford Gift Card, events including a new medieval festival, a five-year tourism marketing campaign, and a banning scheme to address store theft.