A MYTH busting 'frequently asked questions' sheet has been produced to allay traders' fears about a town centre project.

Business owners were furious when they were sent a demand for money as Northwich became west Cheshire's first Business Improvement District (BID).

As part of the BID, each business in the district pays a levy, equal to 1.5 per cent of their business rates, which will release around £1million to be ring-fenced and spent on improving Northwich.

But traders have asked a number of questions about how the BID is run, including querying the 'BID demand notice' and whether Cheshire West and Chester Council, which sent out the notice, charged for its work.

In it's myth-buster the BID team said: "Cheshire West and Chester Council currently do not charge for the collection of the Northwich Business Improvement District levy.

"Concerns have been raised by the business community on the wording 'demand' on the BID levy invoice.

"All future bills will include the wording invoice rather than demand."

The charity Groundwork Cheshire administers the BID and acts as advisors and supporters to help implement the town's business plan, which was drawn up by the BID steering group in conjunction with town centre firms.

The steering group was formed more than a year ago by 11 representatives from town centre chain stores, independent traders and companies.

All traders in the district were asked to vote on whether or not to become a BID in June and the 'yes' vote won.

In the myth-buster the BID team explained that the chairman of the executive board was elected by the steering group and that the executive board itself will be elected at a BID group meeting in November.

It explains that the chairman's role is voluntary and that the chairman and the board will not claim expenses.

The myth-buster also explains that all businesses paying through the levy or through an equal voluntary contribution are eligible to be an executive board member.

Audited accounts will be published annually on the Northwich BID website and financial information for project delivery staff and project management costs are featured in the BID proposal that was sent to all businesses.