MINEHEAD will have a new Business Investment District after businesses backed the proposal in a referendum.

After 14 months of extensive debating and consultation, a clear majority voted in favour of the five-year plan.

149 businesses in total voted, with 100 votes in favour or 68 per cent.

“Thank you to everyone who supported us in this scheme; now the hard work begins.” said Graham Sizer, chairman of the BID Steering Group.

“Though faring better than many other town centres, for many our business community has witnessed a High Street in decline. Small initiatives have seen small results, but finance and resources have always been an issue. This is our chance to make a difference.”

The vote in favour means: * 243 businesses covering the Centre of Minehead, The Harbour Seaward Way and the Seafront will be contributing.

* The commitment will be a contribution of 1.5% of each business’s Rateable Value. In most cases this amounts to under £3 per week.

* The funds will be spent on events, marketing, public realm improvements and business support as spelt out in the Business Plan.

* All the details, newsletters and the Plan can be found on the Minehead BID website www.mineheadbid.co.uk Boutique owner in the Parade Deborah Sawatski said: “This yes vote is fantastic news for Minehead.

"The BID will bring a host of businesses together, from small independents to large multi-nationals, to improve the area. This offers us an exciting opportunity to plan for the future of the town, to re-invigorate and revitalise it.”

Chris Corbett, licensed business owner in The Avenue added: “This campaign has seen shops cafes and offices all pulling together. There have been a few doubters, but positive change, a renewed vibrancy, added colour, and activities will, we hope, win them over.”

The BID will be managed and delivered by a new Minehead BID Company.

“We are calling on business people in the BID area to put themselves forward to be elected as directors on the new board," said Jon Lee from Stuarts in Friday Street.

"This is an exciting new challenge for all of us to take control of our own trading environment."

Once elected the new BID Company will knuckle down to the business of delivering the BID plan over the next five years.

The collection of the levies will be carried out in the same way the Business Rates are collected, by the District Council.

This will take place later this year, and funds will be handed over to the Minehead BID Company in time to deliver a great Christmas for Minehead.

Anne Douglass, the BID street representative in Park Street said: “ We would like to see some positive change as soon as possible.

"The Business Community is keen to show a clear lead, that not only they will benefit from but also the wider Community”

"Now we have the result, we will be meeting to discuss some inexpensive quick -win initiatives that everyone will benefit from."

Mark Bouchier Manager of Wetherspoons Duke of Wellington along with Julian Highfield Manager of Butlins, are convinced that their Companies’ BID experiences in other towns will also prove a winner in Minehead.

Commenting on the result Mr Highfield said: “This is excellent news for Minehead, we look forward to working with the town to make this a great place for both tourists and residents."