Westside will enjoy a safer, cleaner and brighter future for the next five years if businesses vote ‘Yes’ in the reballot that’s taking place this month.
That was the pledge from Dipesh Mistry, the chair of Westside Business Improvement District (BID), in his address to members.
The reballot happens every five years and allows local businesses to approve or reject the BID’s detailed plans for the area.
Mr Mistry, who is also a local director for NatWest Bank, said: “In the last five years, Westside BID has gone from strength to strength.
“Our street wardens are constantly deterring crime by patrolling the area for an average of more than 250 hours a week.
“Meanwhile, in addition to the council’s cleaning services, our street cleaners are removing an estimated additional 16,000 litres of litter every year.
“We have seen some huge infrastructure developments in the area in recent years, and we are pleased to see that the tram extension has now reached Centenary Square.
“These works have had some impact on our members and we are committed to playing a bigger part through our respected partnership with the tram extension team to encourage fast but safe completion of the project.”
Mr Mistry explained how the BID had listened carefully to members’ requests for more wardens’ patrols, increased marketing of Westside and for levy payments to remain the same.
He said: “I am delighted to tell you that the BID board has listened and acted to restructure our budgets to deliver more wardens on Westside, enhanced marketing of the area and your levy held at current rates.”
The overall aims of the BID for the 2020 to 2025 period are contained in a proposal document which every business has received, and which can be found on a pdf on the westsidebid.co.uk website.
Mr Mistry said that if members voted ‘Yes’ in the reballot, the BID would continue to work hard to listen and act on feedback, tailoring resources to members’ needs.
He added: “A ‘Yes’ vote means the BID will keep crime low and Westside safer by providing an even more professional and high-profile warden service, supporting our colleagues in law enforcement.
“The BID will also keep the streets cleaner in Westside by providing an environmental warden five days a week.
“And we will promote the area to make Westside an even brighter place with enhanced marketing strategies including popular events, awards, a vibrant website and social media strategy, and this quarterley Westside World newsletter.
“Why? Because we are passionate about developing an even cleaner, brighter and safer Westside area for all our members.”
- Ballot papers were sent out on Thursday 5 March asking business members to vote ‘Yes’ for a new five-year term for Westside BID. Ballot papers will need to be returned by Wednesday 1 April.
By Steve Dyson.
