Efforts to secure “fairer” parking charges in Northallerton would be stepped up if the town’s Business Improvement District wins the backing of businesses for another five years.
Northallerton BID has put parking and access among its priorities for a proposed third term after businesses identified the issue as their biggest concern during consultation.
The organisation says it will “investigate various methods to create fairer parking charges for the community, local businesses and visitors” if successful in a ballot this autumn.
Its consultation found 58 per cent of respondents wanted the BID to take a more active role on parking and access, although only 24 of the 206 eligible businesses responded to the survey.
The BID says its approach would involve developing a feasible plan for change while continuing to lobby on behalf of businesses over parking and access.
The pledge forms part of a package of proposals being put forward as Northallerton BID seeks a third five-year term from April 2027 to March 2032.
Northallerton BID was established in 2017 and says it has invested £1.5m in the town over the past decade, with a further £750,000 set to be invested if businesses approve another term.
Among its existing schemes is a cardboard recycling service which processes around 12 tonnes a year, while the BID says it has held 30 business networking and drop-in sessions since 2022.
It also operates the Welcome Coaches to Northallerton initiative.
More than 600 coaches have visited since 2022, which the BID estimates has generated an economic benefit of about £300,000 for the town.
Other work has included floral displays, securing £22,000 for a deep clean of the BID area and supporting the installation of public toilets.
The organisation has also worked with police through Shopwatch and Pubwatch, provided discounted radios and funded first aid training for businesses.
Events have been another major part of its work.
During its second term, the BID says it has staged 12 large-scale events as well as restaurant weeks, pancake races, seasonal trails, food markets and jobs fairs.
If it wins another term, these events would continue alongside Restaurant Week and markets, while the BID would explore a grant scheme for businesses trying new ideas to increase night-time trade.
Other new proposals include improved gateway signage and a possible town wayfinding map, measures to improve lighting and visibility, cyber-security support, digital training for businesses and potentially a local grant scheme to help firms make improvements.
The levy would remain at 1.5 per cent of rateable value for eligible businesses.
A postal ballot is proposed to run from October 16 until November 13, with the result expected on November 16.
If successful, the new BID term would begin on April 1, 2027.
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