THE loss of a business improvement organisation has been described as a similar to Brexit by some traders.

Earlier this month, traders in Darlington rejected the chance to renew the contract of Distinct Darlington, which had ran the town’s business improvement district (BID) for the last five years.

Of the 253 votes cast there were 126 in favour and 127 against.

During its time, the organisation attracted thousands of people to the town centre through its annual Distinctly Delicious Festivals of Food, Darlington Fashion Weeks and a Classic Car Show – funded through a levy on the town’s businesses. Those events will not now take place.

Traders were given the chance to express their views on its loss at Darlington Borough Council’s Town Centre Conference last week.

One trader related the process to Britain’s decision to leave the European Union, on the basis that “no plan was in place” for a vote that “defied predictions”.

“The vote was very one sided - at no point did anyone ask ‘what is the alternative’ if there is a no vote,” he said.

Neill Lockett, director of Speccies opticians in Darlington, said he had come away from the conference feeling “more positive” about the plans.

“I was very concerned about what this meant for the town, but after hearing what has been said, I feel there is an upbeat message from the council.”

One trader admitted they voted against the renewal of BID because “too much money was being wasted”.

“There was not enough spent on direct promotion and marketing the town centre.

“It is likely that some sort of trading deal will spring up again,” he added.

John Anderson, assistant director for economic initiative at the council, said it was “too early to say” what would happen after the renewal of BID was rejected.

“It is an issue for the whole community – we need to think whether we should revisit what was good about BID and develop something new.

“But first, we need to step back before we rush into making any decision.

“Helping small businesses remains a priority for the council, but we need to take stock and think about what we do next.”

“A discussion needs to keep going – the high street is changing and we have to adapt – it is not a straight forward process.”