SALISBURY businesses have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a second term for the Business Improvement District.

The BID will return for another five years after a record-breaking ballot result announced this afternoon, with the highest turnout for a renewal ballot than any other town or city BID in the country.

The ballot saw an overall turnout of 66 per cent, with 91 per cent voting in favour of keeping the BID.

As a result the BID will continue its work until March 31, 2024.

Keith Hanson, chairman of Salisbury BID said: “This is an outstanding vote of confidence that strongly demonstrates the importance of the BID to Salisbury.

“It furthers our determination to build on our many achievements so far and aim for even greater success in the future.

“Feedback from our members has influenced our business plan proposal for the next five years and it’s really heartening to see that they have now voted to support it.”

The confidential postal ballot was conducted by Electoral Reform Services and the result was declared today by Wiltshire Council, the independent Ballot Holder.

Salisbury BID is funded by more than 500 businesses in the city centre that have a rateable value of £10,000 or more. These businesses were eligible to vote in the BID’s renewal ballot.

Over the last five years, Salisbury businesses have invested £2 million into the city through the payment of an annual levy into the BID.

Robin McGowan, chief executive of Salisbury BID, said: “We are grateful to the businesses who came out in such numbers and showed their support for the continuation of the BID.

“This record-breaking support for the BID’s renewal will help us become an even stronger voice for the city’s businesses.

“This is an exciting time for Salisbury and the future of the city is looking bright. Following the March 2018 incident, significant money is being invested into the city and several substantial projects are under way to ensure Salisbury becomes a more prosperous place than it was before. We look forward to continuing to represent businesses through this journey.”

Cllr Pauline Church, cabinet member for economic development and South Wiltshire recovery, said: “This is a positive result for Salisbury. We have always had a good working relationship with the BID, and we look forward to working more closely with them as we focus on the future and progress our ambitious plans for regeneration in the city.”