Bankside business ballot enters final week

The Better Bankside ballot of businesses, which has been underway since mid December, closes on Monday 24 January.

The number of 'yes' votes include ANZ Bank, Ansbacher and Reed Smith which are three of the largest businesses in the area. Attractions supporting the BID concept include Tate Modern and Vinopolis.

For the past four years the Better Bankside board has with government funding been both developing an understanding of what is required in order to improve the area and managing several projects.

Its aim is the delivery of a range of services organised under six core themes: Safety, Enhanced street cleaning, Greening, Business Services, Social Responsibility, and Promoting Bankside. This would in future be funded by an additional business rate levied within the District. Under this new scheme all money raised must be managed and spent locally.

Bankside businesses are now being asked to support and help fund the continuing work of Better Bankside. Businesses in Kingston-upon-Thames and Piccadilly have recently agreed to support permanent Business Improvement Districts.

The Bankside result will be announced on Wednesday 26 January.