Hereford Business Improvement District scheme backed

The money raised will fund projects including improved city signage and easier parking access.

Traders in Hereford have voted in favour of a levy scheme which will generate £1.5m improvements in the city centre over the next five years.

A total of 172 out of 224 firms backed the plan to establish the Hereford BID (Business Improvement District).

Starting in April, the scheme will see firms pay an annual 1.2% levy on the rateable value of each premises.

The money raised will fund projects including improved city signage and easier parking access.

All the firms in the BID catchment area will have to pay the fee, even if they voted against it.

Steering group chairman John Jones said: "I am absolutely delighted that so many businesses have backed the plans that we put together."