AFTER months of meetings and consultation to decide what Minehead needs to make it a more vibrant and attractive town, voting is now open on a Business improvement District Scheme (BIDs).

All 245 businesses in Minehead have received official ballot papers that will decide if this scheme to inject more than £500,000 over five years into projects decided on by the business community will go ahead.

Projects include better marketing, bigger and better events to put Minehead on the map and collective purchasing to save businesses money on their overhead costs.

There are also plans to work with the councils and businesses to look at toilet provision in the town, encouraging more coach parties to come and visit the whole town not just the seafront.

It will also help with tidying up the town and cleaning up the scruffy areas.

Mark Hill, of West Somerset Railway, which is backing the BID, said: “WSR has worked with Minehead for 42 years helping to increase footfall and vibrancy to the town. Minehead BID is something we wholeheartedly want to be a part of, it is probably the most important business-led project here for decades and we urge everyone to vote Yes.”

Julian Bloys, of Julian’s Laundry, said: “I fully support the BID. My business is not on the High Street so I won’t benefit directly, but like many in the service sector, I want to be part of it. What is good for Minehead is good for my business. If Minehead thrives, I thrive.”

But not everybody is convinced by the scheme. Alison Prior, of Wombledon, says she will be posting flyers urging people to vote ‘no’.

“I am worried about the way the board will be formed, surely having a local councillor there is a conflict of interest. The running costs seem too high and it is a burden on small businesses who are already struggling.”

Mandy Marchant, from Scrumdiddlyumptious, said: “I am sceptical to say the least. For example, I do not see why seasonal businesses should have to pay the full rates and I do not see why businesses should have to pick up paying for exactly the sort of thing Government and the council should be funding.”

Graham Sizer, chairman of the BID Steering Committee, said: “Recent debate in the community shows there is a terrific appetite to help the town thrive and many residents have put their names forward.

“Over the last year a growing number in the business sector here in the High Street and beyond have told me they also want to do their bit, and will be voting Yes to introduce BID.

“The eternal optimist in me says this town can make a difference, by all pulling together. I ask those doubters to give BID a chance.”

The votes will be counted and results declared on Friday, April 27. To find out more about Minehead BID and see the full BID Plan visit www.mineheadbid.co.uk