Street cleaner makes its mark on business ballot

Sep 12 2008 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

OVER 1,000 city centre businesses will today receive details of a scheme aimed to develop and improve Newcastle’s commercial heart.

The businesses will receive the plan in the run-up to an October ballot on Newcastle becoming a Business Improvement District (BID).

The business plan outlines the BID programme, which would see eligible businesses contributing to a central pot for city improvements. Monies collected would then be spent according to a democratic vote by contributing businesses.

The City Centre Partnership (CCP) is leading the campaign.

This week marked the start of the campaign to demonstrate the kind of improvements businesses could expect to see, as a new hot water cleaner took to the streets, tackling the ingrained dirt and chewing gum.

Retailer Peter Robinson, of photography shop Bonsers, said: “Being based in the Bigg Market, I know what streets in Newcastle can be like after the weekend.

“Businesses receiving the business plan this week will be able to learn about the host of benefits which they could expect to see if they vote yes in a forthcoming ballot.

“As a small business, the cost of the BID to us will not be great, but as our contribution is pooled with those of other businesses across the city centre, the impact will be far greater.”

Benefits outlined in the plan include giving businesses a stronger voice on all issues affecting the city centre, including improving cleanliness, security and environmental issues, and establishing better events, marketing and signage for Newcastle. Bob Senior from Utopian Leisure Group, said: “The scheme will allow businesses to take more of a ‘hands-on’ approach to issues that directly affect them.”