BID group confirms refreshed approach to scheme

The steering group behind Newtown's Business Improvement District work wants to involve as many people as possible in Newtown.

MyNewtown reported yesterday how the BID steering group held an emergency meeting last week following the resignation of Revive and Thrive, consultants who had ben appointed to run the scheme in Newtown.

But is resigned from the contract with Powys County Council following ongoing social media clashes between one of the company's directors, Cllr Mark Barnes, and objectors against the scheme.

Today, the steering group told MyNewtown that it aimed to be as inclusive and open as possible in an attempt to get the BID scheme up and running in the town.

Steve Cox, a new co-chair of the BID group and a local businessman, said a vote on BID plans would be delayed from January to at least the summer to allow Powys County Council to re-ender for new consultants to run the scheme.

"The advice from Powys County Council was that a vote had to be held by the steering group to decide the way forward. The result of the ballot was overwhelmingly to continue with the process.

"The next step is for Powys County Council to go out to tender for new consultants. With the timescales involved we anticipate the BID ballot to now be during the summer of 2020."

He added: "The steering group has new leadership and members bringing fresh ideas and perspectives. It represents a wider variety of businesses across Newtown making it more representative.

"We now have a fantastic opportunity to press the ‘reset’ button on the BID process, allowing us to consult more widely with businesses, share the positive impact we believe a BID can have for Newtown and importantly address the concerns raised.

"We have written a draft business plan with associated projects and are looking forward to sharing and discussing it with local businesses after the Christmas break."

Mr Cox aded: "As a Steering Group we are committed to interacting with local businesses in an accountable, factual, transparent and professional manner. We ask that you bear with us whilst we set up new social media platforms to share information.

"In the meantime, please email any questions to cochairs of the Steering group Steve Cox or Andy Finch who can be contacted at the emails below.

"We really want to have a vibrant group of local businesses on the Steering Group helping to make the BID a reality.

"If you would like to become a member of our Steering Group then please email
Steve Cox, Co-chair at stevecox32@outlook.com."