Newcastle businesses defy court over unpaid BID levy

Businesses pay a BID levy to help develop and promote the local area

Dozens of traders are facing fines for failing to contribute towards the Business Improvement District (BID) in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Nearly 200 traders were warned they could have been summoned to court.

More than 60 paid in full before the summons, while 48 were withdrawn and one was deleted.

Only two of the 89 businesses turned up to a hearing at Stafford Magistrates' Court earlier.

More on this and other stories from Stoke and Staffordshire

About 200 BIDs are in place across the UK, with the aim of promoting local areas.

Payments are compulsory for up to five years after an area signs up to join a BID.