ABERYSTWYTH businesses may start paying a levy on top of business rates to benefit commerce in the town.

Business Improvement Districts (BID) are defined geographical areas 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 extra safety or security, cleaning and environmental measures.

In December last year, the Welsh Government announced £203,000 to support the development of nine BID proposals across Wales, including Aberystwyth.

At a meeting of Aberystwyth Town Council last week, councillors discussed what it might mean for the town’s businesses after Cllr Alun Williams, who attended a BID meeting earlier in the day, explained further details.

See next week’s south editions for the full story