A NORTH Yorkshire town has followed in York’s footsteps and agreed to set up a Business Improvement District (BID).

Companies in Northallerton voted in favour of a BID, in the hopes it will open a new chapter in the town’s fortunes, and help it to compete with out-of-town shopping and online shopping.

BIDs see an extra charge levied on businesses, and the funds raised are used to pay for improvements in the area.

BID steering group chairman Lindsay Judd said: “It’s great that the town’s businesses have agreed to set up a BID, and want to take charge of the town’s fortunes.

“There are a lot of challenges to the High Street and the BID will help Northallerton rise to meet them.”

Key BID plans include improved marketing, enhancements of the town centre environment, a bolstered events programme and a drive to encourage a thriving night-time economy.

A public meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 14 at 5.30pm for 6pm at Barkers Kitchen (enter via Market Row). All companies in the town are invited to attend, get involved and find out what happens next in more detail. See www.northallertonbid.co.uk for details.