BUSINESSES are likely to be balloted over plans to create a £1.5m scheme aiming to bring more people into the town.

The proposed Business Improvement District (Bid) would raise money for services not already provided by Darlington Borough Council by charging town centre firms an extra levy, then using the cash raised to market the area, and improve access, safety and security.

Businesses will be able to decide for themselves what improvements they think are needed, how it will be managed and how much it will cost.

To create the five-year scheme, businesses that will be expected to contribute financially will be balloted in a secret postal vote.

A majority will be needed both in number of votes and rateable value of the votes cast, in order to protect the interests of both smaller independent firms and larger businesses who pay greater rates.

Nearly 92 per cent of businesses who have so far taken part in the Bid consultation are in favour of the scheme.

Next week, the councillors will be asked to vote in support of the plans, and agree to take on legal responisbility for collecting and enforcing the Bid levy if the scheme goes ahead.

Initiatives likely to be promoted by Bid if it goes ahead include a voucher scheme; promotional campaigns and events; discounted car parking; the introduction of town centre rangers; extra cleaning and maintenence; centralising services, including insurance and waste collection; networking events; and providing loans or grants for independent businesses.

The report prepared for councillors said: "The continued attractiveness, vitality and vibrancy of the town centre are an essential cornerstone in Darlington's future as a place where people choose to live, work and do business. This is a high priority for the council and its partners.

"In uncertain and difficult economic conditions, the idea of a Business Improvement District was mooted as a method to secure investment into the town centre and create some certainty of investment over the next five years."

Senior councillors will vote on the plans at the next meeting of cabinet on Tuesday, at 5pm in the town hall.

The public is welcome.