Businesses vote against plan for Taunton business improvement district

Shops and companies have voted against a plan to set up a business improvement district (Bid) for Taunton.

About 500 businesses in the area were asked to vote on the proposal, which was being promoted by Taunton Town Centre Company.

Less than half of those balloted voted in favour of the scheme.

Under the scheme business owners would have had to contribute to a fund to help promote the town and increase footfall.

Taunton Town Centre Company said the proposal would have attracted investment of £1.3m.

A spokesman described it as a "setback", but said the company would continue to work with town centre businesses to "protect and enhance the vibrancy and viability" of the town.