Businesses vote for new CCTV program

Dec 13 2007 by Sarah Judd, Evening Gazette

BUSINESSES on two of Hartlepool's largest industrial estates have voted to pay extra on their rates towards the costs of running a new CCTV system.

A ballot saw 81% of businesses who voted from the Longhill and Sandgate developments agree to pay the extra charge which is based on a 2% land value of the business to make it fair for both small and large firms.

The ballot is part of Business Improvement District (BID) proposals that were put forward earlier this year.

BIDs are covered by Government legislation to allow businesses within a specific area to vote on proposals to fund improvements and services over and above what is provided by the local authority.

Every business on the estates will now be charged the extra levy after accepting the BID proposals and being invited to vote in the ballot.

Maurice Brazell, Hartlepool Borough Council’s business liaison manager, said: "This is a really positive step for local business and helps them to decide what they want to see. The fact that the CCTV system has been adopted means extra security for employers, their staff, and customers.

"We have pushed boundaries with the first BID ballot and hope it will lead the way for more in the future."

A new partnership board will be set up to take the BID process forward, comprising of Longhill and Sandgate Business Association, Hartlepool Borough Council, New Deal for Communities and Hartlepool Police.

It is hoped that the CCTV system, which is being funded in part by Hartlepool New Deal for Communities, will be up and running by spring 2008.