A CAMPAIGN group have spoken out about their opposition to the Clevedon BID (business improvement district) following a recent ballot.

A ballot was held on June 19 to determine whether or not the BID would end or continue. The ballot runs as a postal ballot, witht the ballot period ending at 5pm on Wednesday, July 19. The result will be annouced after votes have been counted on Thursday, July 20.

Speaking before the ballot, a spokesperson from the NO To Clevedon BID campaign group said: "In Clevedon a BID is currently in operation (business improvement district). The BID is run as a private limited company and receives funding from all businesses within its area of influence that pay £5000 or more a year in business rates.

"Each BID term lasts for 5 years, at which point a ballot is held to vote for its continuation for another 5 years or for its termination. 

"The No to Clevedon BID campaign was set up to oppose the re-election of Clevedon BID and to give those businesses with a vote an alternative narrative to that of the BID, in order for said businesses to make an informed decision in their voting. 

"Our main points of objection to the renewal of the BID include: 

  • "Method of funding. If the BID is voted in, all businesses within its area have to pay in for 5 years. If they do not, they get taken to court by North Somerset Council who regard the levy as a debt owed.
  • "The fact that Clevedon BID support of the changes to the Seafront and Hill Road helped North Somerset Council get their changes implemented. Ironically these changes have imposed real risks and challenges to the businesses the BID is supposed to help. 
  • "The fact that Clevedon BID deliberately exclude the biggest businesses in Clevedon from the BID (such as Tesco, Aldi, ASDA, Pets at Home and others). They do this because these businesses pay the most in business rates and therefore have the biggest vote share when it comes to the BID ballot for renewal (because of how the legislation works). 
  • "Wasted money. The BID recently launched a new installation of bunting in the town centre. This is billed as a 'Summer Scheme' and cost £15,000 to install!

"As a growing collection of small business owners, we see better alternatives to the BID, such as those that exist in Portishead which is a town that continues to prosper."

A spokesperson from North Somerset Council said: "North Somerset Council’s role is to administer the Clevedon bid ballot and announce the result and then if appropriate collect the levy.”