A DRAFT plan for the second term of the Northwich Business Improvement District has been circulated to business owners ahead of a ballot next month.

The Northwich BID – funded by a levy on participating businesses – was introduced by public vote in 2014, and the current plan runs to the end of August 2019.

A new plan puts forward aims and objectives for the BID – if reinstated – through to 2024. Eligible small businesses will vote on whether to endorse the final plan by May 23.

Business owners are being asked to give their draft plan feedback online by April 9, ahead of the full ‘BID2’ case being put forward to vote.

The plan reads: "This draft plan for a Business Improvement District (BID2) in Northwich town centre provides a unique opportunity for retailers, businesses and stakeholders to continue to support Northwich town centre in its mission to be a vibrant destination, where people want to come and shop, spend their leisure time and explore our history and culture.

"This plan has been produced by the Northwich BID team and representatives from businesses across the town centre who are determined to drive forward a successor Business Improvement District to ensure that we remain a vibrant town centre beyond 2019.

"The investment from the BID will provide a sustained programme of projects, services and support that will benefit all."

Curated through six months of early consultation, circulated to more than 300 businesses, the draft plan hinges on three key themes for town centre improvement.

They are ‘a unique shopper and visitor experience’ ‘a safer town centre’, and ‘business support’.

Key points in consultation highlighted the importance of high quality events to attract people to the town, marketing Northwich as a regional destination, and the need for a larger police presence.

See the full plan here.

The current BID’s board includes business owners, BID officers, and representatives from the town council, borough council and police.

It encompasses an area stretching from the Leicester Street roundabout down to London Road, the gyratory system, and the town centre and Barons Quay areas.

surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NorthwichBID2