VOTING has now opened for businesses to decide whether to keep Distinct Darlington, a trade-promoting organisation.

They have until March 9 to choose whether to renew Distinct Darlington’s mandate for a further five-year term. Tow centre businesses pay extra rates towards the company.

Since it was formed five years ago, the organisation has held a number of shows including Distinctly Delicious Festivals of Food, Darlington Fashion Weeks and a Classic Car Show.

Now, manager Alex Hirst is urging voters to renew the mandate so it can embark on a further five-year plan of growth.

She said: "Among the projects lined up for the future are festivals and events and various rewards and incentives schemes to persuade shoppers to visit Darlington.

"We also plan to boost the evening economy with schemes such as the highly successful Alive After Five promotion delivered by Newcastle’s BID and the expansion of our Bar and Restaurant Week.

"Voting yes for the BID guarantees a further £1.3m of investment in Darlington town centre over the next five years – without a BID this is lost."

The ballot result will be announced on March 10.