STRABANE has given a firm Yes to have a Business Improvement District following a YES vote by local businesses today with 95 per cent voting in favour of the scheme.
Welcoming the news at a formal event to announce the result of the ballot, the Deputy Mayor Alderman Thomas Kerrigan said the positive response from traders in the town to the Business Improvement District (BID) ballot was “hugely significant” and “a positive move that will see great benefits for Strabane.”
A Business Improvement District (BID) for Strabane is where local businesses raise funds to improve the town centre and its environment.
They work collectively identifying priorities, designing and funding solutions with an ultimate aim to increase footfall for trading and bringing tourists to Strabane.
Speaking after the result was revealed, the Deputy Mayor said Derry City and Strabane District Council were delighted the BID was successful and that businesses and traders were behind the initiative.
He said a lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to inform the public about the benefits of the project and to provide support to those involved.
He said he was particularly delighted that Strabane recorded the highest voting are in all the bid towns and cities in Northern Ireland and the UK with 95% voting Yes, 98% voting Yes by ratable value.
“This is fantastic news for Strabane and for everyone involved in the campaign.
“The businesses now have the opportunity to shape Strabane’s future and to benefit from the co-ordinated programme of marketing, promotions and events support that the BID will give them in addition to greater accessibility, support for town centre businesses through an innovation fund that will bring about greater safety and security, and an improved and cleaner, physical environment.”
Catherine Collins, BID Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council said it’s a very exciting day for Strabane.
“Derry City and Strabane District Council is delighted to have been involved in the process and to provide the support necessary to help traders in the town to secure the BID that will ultimately make Strabane a more attractive place to live, work, play, shop and do business.
“It is also great news for the wider community in that it will allow us to create a more vibrant shopping and tourism hub and allow us to achieve Strabane’s full potential.”
Liam Stewart, Chairman of the BID Strabane Task Team said as a local businessman he is very much aware of the issues facing local businesses in the current economic climate and is confident the BID will ensure a real and lasting difference in making businesses in Strabane more competitive and productive and create a vibrant and thriving town for the entire community.
“I am really pleased that we have been successful in securing the BID for Strabane. It is a fantastic coup for the town. It’s up to all the businesses now to step up to the challenge and come together to work in partnership to implement the BID plan for a bigger and brighter future for Strabane,” he added.
Kieron and Norma Murphy of Murphy’s on the Green in Strabame suppoted the BID
