BUSINESSES in Northallerton have voted in favour of opening a new chapter in the town’s fortunes.

A ballot to establish a Business Improvement District for North Yorkshire’s county town has shown that local businesses – nationals and independents – want to work together to improve its fortunes.

BIDs are a way of developing vibrant market towns, and are paid for by a levy based on business rates – firms with larger premises pay more than neighbours with smaller ones, the smallest are exempt.

Some 73 businesses voted – representing a 37.6 per cent turnout – and 52, or 71.23 per cent, were in favour of the BID.

Key plans include improved marketing, town centre enhancements, a bolstered events programme and a drive to encourage a thriving night time economy.

Over the next few months a company will be established to operate the BID, an interim board will be appointed; a manager recruited; and a series of groups will be established to start fleshing out the proposals.

To set the ball rolling, a public meeting will be held on December 14 at 6pm at Barkers Kitchen, the upstairs restaurant in the High Street store.