Alloa First – Alloa’s Town Centre businesses & organisations have voted in favour of a third term of their Business Improvement District (BID). In conjunction with the Electoral Reform Society, Clackmannanshire Council revealed the outcome of the Alloa town centre BID ballot on the afternoon of Friday 19 October. The overall result was 71.85% in favour by number of businesses, 83.36% in favour by rateable value, with a turnout of 62.51%.
Whilst the levy itself equates to less than £5 per week for many premises and no more than £20 weekly for the largest properties it has still resulted in the collective investment of £1,000,000 over the last decade from levy payers alone. The positive ballot result today means even more exciting projects will be put in place over the next five years to help put Alloa First.
Neil R McFarlane F.G.A. interim chair commented:
“Feedback from BID Members determined a need for real change and it’s heartening that members have voted to support an improved vision for a further five years with the new business improvement district. It is an exciting time with both the town centre regeneration program and city deal funding covering the BID area. The completely new BID Board will provide a strong, bold voice for Alloa’s businesses and organisations, and enable feedback of Members’ aspirations for the changing local landscape to secure a stronger future for the town”.
“I would like to thank everyone that returned their ballot papers and to thank the previous board of directors for keeping the BID going through some really tough times. A huge thanks also to Diane, Alex and Frank for all their hard work helping to secure this much needed new direction for Alloa First. I urge everyone to get involved in the new look improvement district in whatever way they can, it really is your chance to put Alloa First. May I take this opportunity to wish the new board and Alloa First the best of luck for the future”.
Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane added: “I am pleased that BID members have approved the ambitious plans presented, and that work can now proceed to develop Alloa and broaden its appeal to the benefit of all the businesses which operate here”.
“There is a real opportunity here for the local business community to drive positive change and boost the local economy, and as local MSP I look forward to working with those who lead this process forward over the coming months and years.”
Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotlands Towns Partnership and new Programme Director for Scotland’s Improvement Districts, said:
I would like to congratulate Alloa First on their successful ballot. Alloa is such an important town in Clackmannanshire and indeed central Scotland and the BID will provide another important vehicle to ensure it remains vital and vibrant for businesses, resident and visitors. BIDs in Scotland are changing, a new platform has just been launched – www.improvementdstricts.scot and we look forward to working more closely with Alloa First moving forward to ensure it gets all the necessary support from key partners and external agencies”
The next step in putting Alloa 1st is the formation of a new Board of Directors and associated sub-groups, which will happen at the inaugural annual general meeting to be held on 26th November at 6.00pm at Forth Valley College, Alloa campus.
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Photo: members of the Alloa First team marking the successful renewal of the BID ballot.
