THE cost of a Business Improvement District (Bid) to companies in Colchester is one of the highest in the country, according to a retailers' group.

The Colchester Retail Association said if the Bid is voted in, the 1.85 per cent levy to be charged to businesses within the Bid boundary "equates to a business rate increase of over four per cent".

Bid manager Chris Kirvan explained it was a "small investment" in relation to the benefits a Bid would bring.

But Colchester Retail Association chairman Simon Taylor said while the group was initially supportive of the idea of a Bid, it also "has numerous concerns".

He said: "Of the 28 comparable Bid proposals for which we have figures, 23 set a levy of no more than 1.2 per cent of rateable value. The levy proposed in Colchester is one of the highest in the country."

He said a higher Bid levy could make a Colchester Bid "unattractive" to larger retailers who have branches in Bid areas with a lower charge.

Mr Taylor said the association, which represents 61 businesses in the town, also felt the claim by the Bid team that the charge would represent just £1.27 per day is "misleading".

"In truth, businesses would have to pay £185-463 on day one. There is no option for paying by instalments. It is also misleading to fail to mention that, due to inflation rate increases, the cost quoted would only apply in the first year of the five year scheme," he explained.

A promotional DVD in support of a Bid was launched last week, along with the final Colchester Bid proposal, which highlights a range of projects which would be implemented if businesses vote "yes" for a Bid next month.

Mr Taylor also felt there are too many projects proposed to do well, if a Bid is implemented.

However on the issue of a high Bid levy, Mrs Kirvan said she had "serious concerns" about Bids with low charges and said the Colchester Bid levy was calculated based on the projects businesses wanted implemented.

A thousand businesses in Colchester were asked to fill questionnaires. Of those who did, 21 per cent wanted park-and-ride, 34 per cent more town promotion and events and Christmas lights, 20 per cent more attractive town centre, plant displays and lighting and 25 per cent more policing. More than 30 per cent do not think Colchester town centre is clean.

She "disagreed" that there were too many projects proposed and the full payment is only a "small investment" compared to the benefits the Bid will bring.

The total Bid spend on projects will be nearly £4 million.

"Bids are a developing, growing thing. We have gone out of our way to make sure everyone knows what's going on and it's our job to make sure there's enough funding. This is going to make a difference," she said.

Businesses can get a copy of the Bid proposal from the Bid team on 01206 760000. There will be a month-long postal vote from November 1.

WHAT IS A BID?
A BID is a geographical area - in this case, Colchester town centre - in which businesses pay a levy on their business rates. The money is used to fund projects in the town centre that Bid member businesses want to see.

At least half of businesses within the Bid boundary must vote in favour of a Bid for it to be established, and their total rateable value must also exceed that of those who vote no.

If a Bid is established, it will become a Bid company and be run by a board of 17 people, 14 of which will be elected from the business community and one of which will be a non-levy paying business.

A Bid's lifespan is five years, after which businesses can revote for a Bid.

PROPOSED BID PROJECTS
The Bid projects are split into four categories.

SAFE AND SECURE: Total five-year spend: £890,500
Business special constables, trained by Colchester Police
Additional uniformed Police Community Support Officers
Free and extended membership of Colchester Business Against Crime and an increased exclusion zone
Street rangers to act as ambassadors to visitors and monitor street cleaning
CLEAN AND TIDY
Total five-year spend: £980,510
Additional street cleaning
Graffiti and flyposting removal
More hanging baskets, flower towers and planters
More bins
Services to improve the market and grants to improve smaller business premises
LET'S SHOUT ABOUT IT
Total five-year spend: £961,830
Better Christmas lights and switch on event
Two major events each year
Street entertainment
General promotion
Food, drink and shopping guides
Newsletters to Bid members
Research on improvements
Work to develop loyalty scheme and community tv
KEEP MOVING - STAY SMILING
Total five-year spend: £393,760
Maps and information for visitors
Additional free late-night bus route at weekends
Promotions to subsidise parking
Lobby for new park and ride
Work to improve bus links from the railway
station, free late night Christmas shopping service and promote car sharing