Blackburn BID extended five more years

The Business Improvement District, which first began work in 2014, includes around 350 traders, commercial organisations and charities in the town centre.

The funding for the BID is raised through an additional levy of 1.25% on business rates for those businesses with a rateable value of over £10,000. The BID is operated by a board of business representatives who are elected each year.

The scheme creates a potential £1.5m pot of money which will be invested in projects to enhance the town centre under three key themes: marketing and events; making the town a safer and more secure place; and environmental improvements.

“We are not underestimating the challenges ahead for town centres, but working in partnership and continuing to innovate, we are determined that Blackburn will continue to be a successful place to shop, work, visit and enjoy."

"The BID brings in additional money to what is already being provided by the council and works to build and strengthen relationships between all the key organisations in the town.