TOWN centre businesses are urging others to join them in supporting plans for a Business Improvement District (BID) in Middlesbrough as ballot papers go out this week.

Backers of the BID already include high street giants Marks and Spencer, HSBC, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Next and Boots.

Now more businesses in the town centre have pledged their support to the Middlesbrough BID to deliver programmes and improvements to help boost the town centre economy.

A ballot date for a business improvement district has been set for June 7.

If businesses vote for a BID, the programme of events and improvements could start as early as the summer.

James Thomson, owner of Heaven Scent in the town's Linthorpe Road, said: "There are a number of great independent shops in Middlesbrough and one of the biggest benefits of a BID would be to improve footfall.

"The BID is a way for smaller businesses to get together and see real improvements in their town which will directly affect them."

Liam Percy owner of Al Forno restaurant, said: "A BID in Middlesbrough makes sense when you see what they've achieved in other areas. It's about having a co-ordinated approach and a strategy in place to improve footfall and tell people about the good things that are going on in the town."

As part of the BID, businesses would contribute up to £417,000 a year with Middlesbrough Council contributing a further £40,000 a year plus management and administrative costs.

Independent data has shown that Middlesbrough town centre retailers could benefit to the tune of £25m if a Business Improvement District is successfully set up.

Studies on established BIDs in other parts of the UK show that activities to improve the

environment, safety and appeal of town centres has increased footfall by between 2.8 per cent and 11.1 per cent.