VOTING has now opened for businesses to decide whether to keep a trade-promoting organisation, Distinct Darlington.

Traders have until March 9 to choose to renew Distinct Darlington’s mandate for a further five-year term.

And the company, formed to boost trade and improve the shopping experience for visitors and residents alike, is urging them to vote ‘yes’.

Businesses in the town centre pay extra rates towards the company.

Since it was formed five years ago, Distinct Darlington organised through annual shows including Distinctly Delicious Festivals of Food, Darlington Fashion Weeks and a Classic Car Show.

Now, manager Alex Hirst is urging voters to renew the mandate so it can embark on a further five-year plan of growth.

“Among the projects lined up for the future are festivals and events and various rewards and incentives schemes to persuade shoppers to visit Darlington,” she said.

“And we also plan to boost the evening economy with schemes such as the highly successful Alive After Five promotion delivered by Newcastle’s BID and the expansion of our Bar and Restaurant Week.

“The BID is paid for by an annual levy charged to the town centre’s business – which, for many businesses, is the equivalent price of a cup of coffee per day, so we really do provide excellent value for money.

“Voting yes for the BID guarantees a further £1.3m of investment in Darlington town centre over the next five years - without a BID this is lost.

The outcome of the ballot will be revealed on 10 March.