THE chairman of Wimborne’s Chamber of Trade has welcomed the success of the BID (Business Improvement District) ballot.

Diann March said the group, which has been running since the 1950s, had backed the BID idea from the start as a way of keeping the Christmas lights and free children’s shows going.

She also feels more attractions will bring visitors to the town, and wants all businesses to think about volunteering to sit on the BID’s board.

Fifty three per cent of businesses turned out to vote, with 58 per cent voting in favour.

“Although it was a disappointment that more businesses did not take the time to return their ballot papers, we must now move forward,” Mrs March said.

“I think it is most imperative that the board should be made up of businesses who voted all ways, to get a balanced new board.”

She hopes meetings will be arranged outside general office and shop opening hours to give smaller businesses, who might not be able to spare staff during the day, the chance to attend.

Chamber membership and contributions have fallen in recent years, but the BID’s levy will greatly increase the town’s spending power, added Mrs March.

“All businesses will now contribute instead of the loyal few, which were usually the small independent shops who, although struggling, wanted our town to prosper,” she said.

An information evening about becoming a Wimborne BID director will be held on Thursday, June 16, at 6pm.

A description of the role can be found online at http://www.wimbornebid.org For an application form, email martin.tidd@wimbornebid.org