BUSINESSES in Newport have less than a week left to vote in favour of the Business Improvement District (BID) which could see more than £1 million being invested in the city.

Voting for the proposals, which set out improvements that could be made over the next five years in Newport, opened three weeks ago.

Plans include using a levy, collected from city centre businesses, to enhance Newport’s image, improve security, increase footfall and create a better offer of food and drink outlets.

Among the planned improvements is a focus on creating a safer and more attractive city centre, as well as enhancing people’s perceptions of the city through city-wide marketing campaigns.

There will also be support for businesses in the area through the collective purchasing of utilities and services and increasing footfall and spending through promotional events.

If the ballot is successful, Newport would have only the third BID to be formed in Wales, the others being Swansea and Merthyr.

The BID will be managed and operated by a not-for-profit company and paid for by an annual levy of 1.25 per cent of the rateable value of eligible business units.

Alan Edwards, chairman of Newport Now and partner in Vacara’s Fish & Chips, urges businesses to vote yes.

He said: “We’ve fought long and hard to get this development off the ground and the day of judgement has finally arrived.

“It’s time for the businesses of Newport to cast their vote, and I hope they will choose to back the proposed BID.

“This is our opportunity to take control of our future, and our city’s future, and we should grab it with both hands. I’m confident that a BID will bring the boost to business that Newport really needs.”

The closing date is 5pm on Wednesday, December 3.