THE time for the town's businesses to show their backing for Skipton BID (Business Improvement District) is drawing near as the postal ballot for the organisation to have a fourth term closes on November 16.

Skipton BID needs more than half of the businesses to vote 'yes' to another term and agree to pay a levy representing 1.5 per cent of their rateable value.

More than 400 businesses in Skipton - with rateable values of more than £6,000 - have received ballot papers enabling them to take part in the vote. If not enough support is secured the BID, which first launched in 2008, will come to an end in March.

During its time, Skipton BID has invested more than £2million in the town on a range of projects designed to make the town more attractive and safe for residents, visitors and businesses.

It includes the installation of CCTV, street marshals in the run-up to Christmas, the support of some events, and improvements to the Welcome to Skipton brand.

A yes result will secure a further £1million of investment over the next five years.

One event BID resurrected this year which was previously organised by the Chamber of Trade was the Skipton Business Awards 2023 which saw accolades go to a variety of businesses and business people in town, including Dean Majors, aka the Backman, therapist and counsellor, who received a special and surprise award as 'Unsung Hero'.

He was hand-picked for the award by Skipton residents who said he was a: 'fantastic advert for positivity in Skipton, a great mental health advocate, a supporter of new businesses and a real inspiration for people who've battled or are battling addiction'.

Dean said he was thrilled with his award which will be displayed in his Back Cave premises in Providence Place, Skipton.

Follow him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/thebackcave/