VOTING is underway to determine whether Skipton Business Improvement District (BID) will continue for another five year term.

The town's businesses, from High Street shops to Morrisons and Tesco supermarkets and Skipton Building Society are being asked to take part in a postal ballot to decide on whether the BID will continue for a fourth term.

If more than half of the more than 400 eligible businesses vote yes, it will mean all with a rateable value of £6,000 and above paying a levy of 1.5 per cent to fund BID projects.

A yes vote will mean £1million over the length of the term being invested in projects to benefit businesses and increase footfall to the town.

Andrew Mear, chair of Skipton BID said: " We need to work together as a town so we can strengthen what Skipton has to offer, which will bring benefits to all the businesses. There is only one option and that is to vote yes."

Sarah Howsen, Skipton BID manager added: “All eligible businesses will have received their ballot paper which they need to post back in the envelope provided. If anyone hasn’t received their paper it is important they contact me as soon as possible so a replacement can be ordered. We want all levy payers to have their say on the future of the BID.”

The ballot opened on October 19 and will run until November 16 with the result expected the following day.

Skipton BID fund projects such as the CCTV system across the town, supports Skipton in Bloom and works in partnership with Skipton Town Council to deliver the Christmas lighting scheme.

It also manages and funds Welcome to Skipton to promote Skipton locally, regionally and nationally, and recently ran business awards. 

Find out more at www.skiptonbid.com.