COMPANIES in Kingston town centre have voted overwhelmingly to remain part of a Business Improvement District (BID).

More than 70% of firms voting in the ballot chose to keep supplementing the scheme, designed to make the area more attractive to visitors and workers, for another five years.

The results, announced last Friday, are even more in favour of the BID than when businesses first voted on the proposals five years ago – despite fears the recession might make them less willing to shell out.

Back then, only two thirds of voters backed the project and the turnout was significantly lower than the 42 per cent this time around.

Although the same number of businesses (111) voted against the scheme as last time, 40 of those expected to oppose it voted 'yes'.

Town centre manager Graham McNally, whose job was on the line, said the result was recognition for the work his team had done to bring growth to the town centre.

“We've always known we represented exceptional value for money, but the fact another 40 businesses – most of them national retailers – have recognised that is very pleasing,” he added.

Tony Wheeler, managing director of John Lewis Kingston and chairman of Kingston Town Centre Management (KTCM) group, also expressed his delight at the result.

“Having been involved in the inception of the BID, I'm excited to be a part of the team as it heads into its second phase. BID2 will enable Kingstonfirst to continue its great work in achieving economic growth for Kingston,” he said.

When the BID was introduced in January 2005, it was the first scheme of its kind in the UK.

Since then it has generated more than £5 million, which has been spent on a variety of projects, including minicab booking points, graffiti removal and flower planting.

Over that period, the number of visitors using Kingston's shops, bars and restaurants each year has risen by 2m, while violent crime has dropped 37%. Under the scheme – known as Kingstonfirst – town centre firms pay an extra penny per pound on top of their normal business rates.

Kingstonfirst will now prepare detailed plans for the next five years, which should be ready by September. Priorities include developing the use of the riverside and doing more to promote the history of the town centre.