Kendal businesses back BID renewal and expansion

The council said it would work closely with the BID

Companies in Kendal have voted to retain the town's Business Improvement District (BID).

The scheme has been renewed for the next five years and will see an expansion in the area it covers.

There were 173 votes cast in the ballot, of which 129 were in favour of renewing the BID.

The leader of Westmorland and Furness Council said the local authority would work "closely" with the organisation.

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

The council had pledged to support the initiative and use its voting allocation in favour of the BID at a cabinet meeting in October, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Council leader Jonathan Brook said: "The Kendal BID provides a voice for town centre businesses and is an organisation that the council can, and will, work closely with to deliver shared objectives."

The Kendal BID business plan 2024-2029 states it has "identified untapped tourism potential as an opportunity to attract more visitors to Kendal".

The organisation also said it will provide support and initiatives that "promote economic stability".