A RANGE of businesses in Darlington have shown their support for a campaign to retain the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) initiative.

Voting is currently under way to decide the future of BID’s Distinct Darlington, which provides the town’s rangers and is behind events such as the Distinctly Delicious Festival of Food and Darlington Fashion Week.

BID have outlined a five-year business plan following consultations with retailers as the company’s contract is currently up for renewal.

However several businesses in the town centre have already offered their support before the ballot closes next month.

Natalie Cooper, director of Houndgate Townhouse hotel and BID board member, said: “At a time when councils are cutting right back, the BID has gone above and beyond to ensure that Darlington has an exciting programme of events which wouldn’t have happened without them.

“I would really urge everyone to make sure they vote if they haven’t already done so.”

Shuhel Ahmed, franchisee for Mangobean coffee shop, at Feethams, and Zoe Turner, local business manager at Santander’s High Row branch, have also voted to keep BID in Darlington until at least 2022.

Alex Hirst, manager of BID’s Distinct Darlington, said: “We are delighted with everything we have already been able to achieve through the BID and hope that everyone eligible will vote yes and allow us to continue to promote the town both locally and to a wider audience – every vote counts.”

The ballot will remain open to retailers until March 9.