VOTES are being counted in a ballot to decide whether Hitchin will get an improved town centre. Officials at North Herts District Council are today (Tuesday) counting the votes of up to 500 Hitchin businesses which were sent ballot papers six weeks ago t

VOTES are being counted in a ballot to decide whether Hitchin will get an improved town centre.

Officials at North Herts District Council are today (Tuesday) counting the votes of just over 600 Hitchin businesses which were sent ballot papers six weeks ago to choose whether or not to back a Business Improvement District for the town.

If agreed by a majority of respondents, businesses will pay in to a pot of money to make improvements to the town centre to draw in more shoppers.

The result is expected at about 1pm.