The time has come round for Ashby businesses to vote on whether the Ashby Business Improvement District (BID) will continue to run for the next five years.

Each business gets a vote and the majority will be implemented.

Opinions on BID is very varied between businesses - some heavily in favour, praising the work BID does to bring more visitors into the town, with others criticising it as a 'stealth tax' that favours some businesses more than others.

Brew

Brew, a beer shop and tap room on Market Streets that regularly holds live music and street food nights, is against the reinstatement of BID.

'I don't like the fact that you cannot opt out of it, we are forced to pay it,' says the owner, 'The bottom end and middle of the town do so much better out of it than the top end of town and I'm sure there are businesses on the outskirts that get absolutely nothing.

'I had an absolute battle to get answers to questions that I wanted answering years back and it isn't transparent enough.

'The bottom line is why should some businesses have to pay into it and gain next to nothing where other businesses gain handsomely.'

Christian Rose Violins

Peter Rose, owner of Christian Rose Violins on Market Street, said: 'I agree with Brew in certain areas of the town centre have benefitted from some of the events that the BID has funded. However, whenever Market Street is closed, my trade goes down.

'The wardens very rarely go beyond Market Hall [even though] there are BID payers above there.'

La Zouch Tanning

Milly Baker, the owner of La Zouch Tanning, is much more in favour of the BID, having worked closely with them.

'La Zouch Tanning has worked actively with the BID on its events and marketing and I feel this has been positive for us and to the town in bringing more people.

'It's up to individual businesses how they vote but ours will be a yes.'

The Health Workshop

The Health Workshop is a health food store and therapy centre and studio on Rushton's Yard, who run regularly yoga and meditation workshops alongside other services.

They have more of a mixed opinion on the BID vote, saying: '[I] love the concept of supporting businesses and making sure our town has the funding it needs.

'The florals have been lovely. Business support for new signage, the Christmas lights and extra funds for events - I don't mind paying BID for that.

'I just think the communication is lacking, we don't have much of a say as to where the money is spent or an update on what's left to spend.

'I wasn't aware how much of an increase was coming too - the whole thing needs a sit down and chat amongst the community.

'It's clear the stores all care and want what's best for the town, maybe a new board this time with new faces will help out.'

Fabco Interiors

Tony from Fabco Interiors provides an interesting point of view as a business not in the centre of town.

'We are charged, yet we have no benefits whatsoever, being on the outskirts of Ashby (by Aldi, Pets at Home and Wickes). We see no investment, no interest and no support whatsoever.

'I will not be voting to continue paying for something we get no benefit from.'

The Ashby BID Board

The Ashby BID Board are, of course, in favour of BID being reinstated for the next five years, having put together a hefty business plan to invest almost £1.5 million in the town if they are allowed to continue.

In a statement from the BID Board for Ashby Nub News, they said: 'We believe businesses should make their own informed decision, but we would encourage everyone to consider one important question: if the BID goes, who will replace it - and who will pay for everything that comes with it. It is also worth pointing out that £120k out of the £200k levy per annum comes from national organisations which we would lose.

'If the BID ends, there is no organisation waiting to step in and deliver the work currently undertaken. Ashby would lose events and initiatives such as the Christmas Market two-day event, Ashby Soapbox, Ashby's FABulous, extended support for the arts festival and Christmas lights, Paddington upkeep, the Ranger Service, Tourist Information, Hopper Bus, retail radio and body cams, crime-prevention initiatives, business grants and the ability to attract and match external funding among many other things.

'Just as importantly, Ashby would lose a collective voice for its businesses at a time when the town is facing significant changes through local government reorganisation.'

Mayor of Ashby, Councillor Murrae Blair-Park

Although not a business, Ashby's Mayor provides interesting insight into how the BID benefits the town.

In a statement on social media, he said: 'I would ask all local businesses to look carefully at the facts before voting in the Ashby BID ballot.

'Over the last five years, the BID has helped bring events, visitors and investment into Ashby, while also supporting improvements to the town centre and for that, we thank the business community of Ashby, this would not have happened without your input.

'It has not been perfect, but it has made a positive difference and helped strengthen Ashby as a place to live, work, shop and visit.

'I fully understand that businesses must look closely at costs and decide whether they are getting value for money. That is entirely right. But it is also important that this decision is made on the basis of balanced and factual information.

'To the best of my knowledge, neither Ashby Town Council nor North West Leicestershire District Council has funding available to replace the BID levy if it is lost. Without that funding, many events, projects and improvements that people value could be at risk.'

He also pointed out that the larger national businesses, such as Tesco and Boots, do not get involved with the BID vote, allowing local businesses to make the decision. However, it is these national chains that put in a large proportion of the funds that make up the BID. Money which otherwise would not be invested into the town by other means.

The ballot on the future of BID closes on 30 October, with results declared on 31 October.

To find out more about Ashby BID, visit the website by clicking here.