TRADERS are invited to have their say on plans which could mean better public space, marketing, street cleaning, security and signage for Durham city centre.

City leaders hoping to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) for the area will hold two workshops for business people wanting to know more next month.

Under a BID, money raised from a levy on businesses is spent improving the area covered, in an attempt to make it more attractive for residents, shoppers, visitors and retailers.

Leaders at Durham City Forward, a working group set up by Durham City Forum, unveiled the scheme in October.

A feasibility study is now in its final stages.

The workshops will be held in Durham Town Hall on Thursday, February 10, at 3.30pm to 6pm.

Richard Toynbee, manager of Prince Bishops shopping centre and a member of Durham City Forward, said: "They are open to all Durham businesses and are an opportunity for businesses to come and give their feedback and thoughts on a proposed BID for Durham City and what they feel a BID should deal with."

Typically, the BID levy has seen businesses charge between 1.5 per cent and 2.5 per cent of their rateable value.

What work was needed would be decided by a committee of business leaders.

The BID could cover Claypath, Elvet, the Peninsula and Framwelgate Waterside.

For a BID to be established, a ballot of all businesses would have to be called, with more than half of businesses and more than half of the rateable value of the area backing the proposals.

Supporters hope a BID could be up and running by the end of the year.