Clackmannanshire's councillors have voted to support Alloa First Business Improvement District (BID) for another five years.

The current Alloa First term is coming to an end and a ballot to determine whether the BID should continue to operate is being held until Thursday, October 5.

Clackmannanshire Council has 14 properties within Alloa town centre, which is the area covered by the Alloa First BID, and is therefore entitled to vote in the ballot.

So at last week's full council meeting, councillors were asked to decide whether to vote 'yes' or 'no' - and they decided to back the BID, with 11 votes in favour and four against.

Alloa First welcomed the councillors' decision.

Hugh McMichael, Chair of Alloa First BID, said: “We are delighted to have the support of the council to continue our work and deliver our ambitious blueprint for the next five years.

“This support from councillors is a great endorsement of the positive impact of our collaborative work to enhance, improve and promote our town. Thanks to them for that.

“It’s a real show of confidence in us - and recognition of the value of the events and services that we deliver for our community.

“From the conversations we are having throughout the town, we know that many businesses want to maintain this effort and bring further enhancements that will continue to boost the economy and make Alloa town centre better for businesses and visitors.

“Putting Alloa first and voting ‘yes’ for our BID will allow us to do that.”

The aim of the BID is to promote the town centre as an attractive, safe place to visit and to increase footfall.

During last week's meeting, councillors raised concerns over the proposed increase in the BID levy, saying this came at a time when many Alloa businesses were facing financially challenging times due to the cost of living crisis.

However, a report to councillors also highlighted some of the work carried out by Alloa First since it became operational in October 2008. This has included events such as markets, town centre trails, themed events, Christmas lights switch on and display, a free weekly recycling service, and CCTV providing 24 hour town centre coverage.

The council papers added: “A proportion of the activities carried out by Alloa First such as Christmas lights display, CCTV, town centre planting, weeding and floral displays were previously provided by Clackmannanshire Council. At present there are no council budgets for these activities/services.

“Should the ballot process result in an unfavourable outcome, the BID would cease and these services would also potentially cease unless alternative funding/delivery models could be identified."

If the BID is successful in securing a further term, the council’s annual levy payment for its 14 properties will rise from of £9,360 to £13,000 per annum.

The result of the ballot should be known on Friday, October 6.

You can read the Alloa First Business Plan 2023-2028 at https://alloafirst.co.uk/renewal-ballot-2023.