THE group behind Trowbridge’s Business Improvement District has reopened a survey with business owners, after many felt that they have not been told enough about the scheme.

Project manager Kevin Brownell said he hopes more businesses will get in touch.

“The BID isn’t about people going ‘this is what the town needs to do’, it is about businesses telling us what they would like to do and that is vital for it to work,” he said.

“We had a really good turnout for the workshops and from the feedback.

“We said we would reopen the survey and put on a few more workshops so everyone can engage with us and tell us what they think.”

The BID has been advertised through an early consultation last year and at workshops earlier this month. If it goes ahead, all businesses within it will pay a levy to improve the town centre for the benefit of businesses.

While Mr Brownell is yet to confirm the levy for Trowbridge, it is anticipated that it could raise more than £250,000 per year to spend on things that businesses feel are important.

“The levy is based on a percentage on the business’ rateable value. As we are in the consultation stage, we haven’t decided what the levy will be,” Mr Brownell said.

Mr Brownell, whose wife is the BID manager in Chippenham, added that with Trowbridge, they will be looking at how the BID has worked in other towns.

He said: “There is a balance between looking at other towns and drawing on these experiences but also looking at every town in its own right, and each town is different and has its own challenges.

“Therefore it is very much about the businesses getting involved.”

After a business plan is drafted, the BID will go to a vote by businesses anticipated to take place in summer.

But not all businesses are completely sold by the idea, including Edward Kirk, who owns Scholars.

He said people need to be made aware of the costs after many were left angry in Chippenham when they found out they would have to pay even if they vote no.

“I’m still involved with the BID in Chippenham. It has got very nasty, which shouldn’t happen in Trowbridge.

“I am beginning to think that a no vote is possible if enough people know about the costs regardless if you vote no, which is the downfall of it.

“I want to remain positive but no-one knew about the workshops. If I hadn’t told them, they wouldn’t have known anything.

“People need to know about what is involved and how they could have to pay £300 or more even if they don’t want it.”

The extra workshops will be held over two days at Trowbridge Civic Centre on February 10 at 6pm and February 11 at 10am.

Town centre businesses have been urged to complete the survey by going to the website www.surveymonkey.com/r/TrowbridgeTownCentreBID.