A TOWN centre scheme that aims to generate �1.25m to improve the environment for shoppers reaches a crucial stage next week. Hitchin Town Centre Initiative (HTCI), the group behind a plan to create a Business Improvement District in the town, will send o
A TOWN centre scheme that aims to generate �1.25m to improve the environment for shoppers reaches a crucial stage next week.
Hitchin Town Centre Initiative (HTCI), the group behind a plan to create a Business Improvement District in the town, will send out ballot papers next week to almost 600 businesses in Hitchin asking them if they want to be part of the scheme.
Each business will be asked to contribute the equivalent of around �5 per week for a five-year period. This will pay for enhancements such as Street Rangers who will help visitors and act on graffiti, rubbish and other anti-social behaviour; upgraded CCTV and a dedicated cleaning team.
Keith Hoskins, HTCI manager, said: "It is about local people taking control of the budget and spending it where they see fit."
The scheme will go ahead if 51 per cent of respondents are positive.
The ballot closes on April 6.
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