| Clarkston ballot approval |
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News Release
28th June 2010 Clarkston wins YES vote for town centre Business Improvement District
There are 132 businesses in the Clarkston BID area including the likes of Waterfall, Eat Deli, Nuala Ashe, Ollaberry, Autokits, Whispers, Tesco Express, Boots and the Cooperative.
The Clarkston BID business plan was developed in consultation with businesses and shoppers and as a result of this BID projects will include the creation of up to six new annual events to bring shoppers to the area, a marketing campaign to promote the area, the introduction of a shop improvement fund, the re-introduction of Christmas lighting, improved signage and a review of both parking and traffic flow. New banner points will be installed and a new retail forum will be created to allow issues and opportunities to be discussed between the businesses.
Gordon Brown, the project co-ordinator for the Clarkston BID said:”I am delighted that we have secured a yes. The local businesses have been a great help in pulling together the plan and will now see the benefit of the BID as it begins to unfold. A lot of hard work has also gone into the planning and the consultation from the Steering Group and can I thank them for their hard work. ”
Paul Knight, chairman of the BID Steering Group said: “Well done to everyone in the area for having faith that we can make a difference. I see the BID as a great opportunity for Clarkston Town Centre to influence its own future. The BID is run by the local businesses FOR the local businesses and a positive ballot is an opportunity to create and sustain a vibrant town centre.”
The Clarkston BID is the tenth BID in Scotland and is sponsored by East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and backed by East Renfrewshire Council; who will be contributing £20,000 towards the first year of the BID.
Voting took place throughout May and June with the ballot closing on Friday 25th June. A total of 47.76% of eligible businesses voted representing 41.27% of the rateable value and easily satisfying the turnout threshold of 25%. 68.75% of businesses voted in favour of the BID which represented 66.67% of the rateable value, a resounding mandate for the BID.
Vincent Waters - President, East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce added: "ER CoC is delighted the businesses in Clarkston have supported the BID. We look forward to the positive benefits the BID will have for Clarkston business and for local people. The Chamber of Commerce is grateful to the Steering Committee of local retailers and to project coordinator Gordon Brown who have put such great effort into the project."
“This is great news for Clarkston and shows that small towns across Scotland with the support of the businesses and the statutory authorities also have a real opportunity to make a difference to the business environment in these challenging times. East Renfrewshire Council should be congratulated for instigating this new type of BID which has been so enthusiastically approved by the businesses.”
For further information on Business Improvement Districts Scotland please visit www.bids-scotland.com (Ends) Media Contact: For further information please contact Anna Gormley at The BIG Partnership on 01592 643200, 07884 061 844 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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