PLANS to create the first Business Improvement District (BID) in the North-East have moved a step closer.

Businesses on the Cowpen Industrial Estate, at Billingham, were sent a questionnaire by the Cowpen Industrial Association, in conjunction with Stockton Borough Council, inviting views on improvements that could be undertaken via a successful BID.

BIDs are a partnership between local authorities and local businesses, enabling identified commercial areas to attract extra resources with the objective of increasing business activity within those specific areas.

This is achieved through the agreement of the majority of businesses within specific areas to a levy being charged above the non-domestic rate.

The levy will then apply, on a mandatory basis, to all businesses within that specific area.

Mike Devereux, chairman of the Cowpen Industrial Association, said: "A good response, 35 per cent, indicated to us that security and safety issues were still the major concern for many businesses, followed by the visual image of the estate in general.

"A successful BID could bring tremendous advantages to the Cowpen Estate.

"We estimate that in excess of £50,000 could be generated per year, providing a comprehensive package of security measures and estate improvement initiatives benefiting every business, whatever size.

"Every penny raised through a BID would be spent on the estate."

Businesses based on the estate will be invited to a meeting in October where areas of concern will be agreed and a business plan will be drawn up.