THE official date when businesses in Aberystwyth will go to the ballot to decide on whether to adopt Business Improvement Districts has been announced.

A BID is a defined geographical area in which businesses are charged an additional levy based on their rateable value and the money then used to develop projects which will benefit businesses in the local area, such as free parking, extra safety or security, or cleaning and environmental measures.

It was reported in the Cambrian News last month that the ballot was due to take place in February, but it has now been announced that it will take place in March.

Businesses will receive a voting pack on 15 February and the ballot will close on 14 March, with results announced on 15 March.

Speaking at a meeting of Aberystwyth Town Council before Christmas, Cllr Alun Williams said: “I very much hope that traders vote yes to form a BID because it will benefit them immeasurably and give traders more power.”

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online on Wednesday