MORE than 100 tenants on an industrial estate will be balloted over plans to improve security.

Businesses on Teesside Industrial Estate, in Thornaby, will be given a bird's eye view of their premises in a ballot-by-DVD project.

Cowpen Industrial Association, of Billingham, has commissioned the film as part of its plans to create the first Business Improvement District (Bid) in the region.

Each Cowpen business will be asked if it is prepared to pay an extra three per cent on its non-domestic rates to continue improving security, safety and the image of the estate.

The DVD, funded by the Government office for the North-East, outlines the advantages of Bid status and includes aerial footage of the area.

The project is a partnership between the association and Stockton Borough Council.

Association chairman Mike Devereux said: "If the individual companies vote in favour of becoming a Bid, we'll generate in excess of £50,000 each year to provide an even more comprehensive package of security measures and improvements."

The DVD outlines the history of Bids, the benefits and what will happen if security is neglected. It will be distributed next month with a ballot paper and questionnaire.

Mr Devereux added: "It's an unusual, but highly effective way of approaching the vote.

"They each have a vote - and I appeal to them to use it."