Traders' legeal threat over BID levy

0 - 0 • Published 17 Jun 2009 11:53 0 Comments

ALLOA traders opposed to paying a town centre business levy are considering taking legal action if the charge is not reduced.

The levy has to be paid by shops in the town after a 93 per cent 'yes" vote - on a 54 per cent turnout - backed the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Alloa.

But, as previously reported in the Advertiser, some traders say they were misinformed and were unaware that it would involve a tax.

Rose Swan, owner of the Curiosity Shop in High Street, explained that at a meeting last week a decision was taken to await the outcome of the BID board meeting due to take place yesterday (Wednesday), where the levy issue was to be discussed.

She continued, 'We will wait and see if there are any negotiations to half the costs, for example, then consider as a group if we take legal action.'

Rose said that such action would be taken on the grounds that traders were misinformed from the start over the imposition of the levy.

John Mylchreest, owner of Alloa"s X-change shop, said he initially marked X for 'yes" on the ballot paper but wouldn"t have if he had known the cost involved.

The Alloa Town Centre BID board aims to represents the needs and interests of the 250 plus businesses within the BID area

Board chairman David Westland, has vowed to look at the options.

He told the Advertiser, 'In response to the queries raised by a small number of members regarding the projects and payment schedules, the Board have taken the opportunity to bring forward our regular bimonthly board meeting to discuss levy options which are available.'

Mr Westland said the board would continue to deliver projects to benefit businesses and organisations in Alloa town centre.

He added, 'We are currently working on the Best Bar None Award Scheme to help stimulate the evening economy, and are working in partnership Central Scotland Police for licensed premises to join the Pub Watch Scheme.

'We are also working in partnership with Clackmannanshire Alliance in the application for £60 million of town centre government funding, where additional weighting is given to applications within established Business Improvement Districts.'

Unlike preceding town centre initiatives, the Alloa BID has the power to raise and collect money, something that was made possible in Scotland after the passing of the Business Improvement District Legislation 2007.

The BID has a remit for five years with the aim of raising £600,000 - via the levvy - to be invested in the town during that time.

At the end of this period businesses will have the opportunity to vote again on whether they want to support another five year term.

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