Chance in a

HANDING businesses greater control of North Wales’s second biggest town is a “chance in a lifetime”.

Hundreds of firms across Colwyn Bay, Old Colwyn, Rhos-onSea and Mochdre will decide this autumn whether to create the region’s first Business Improvement District (BID).

The district would have a £1m funding pot over five years from cash collected from businesses in the Bay of Colwyn.

This could also lever more in public funding.

Businesses will decide how to spend the money with options including better parking, brand- ing and marketing, targeting derelict buildings, and street cleaning.

There are similar plans underway for a BID covering Bangor and Caernarfon.

“It is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Chris Jackson, former Colwyn Bay zoo boss and now chairman of the Bid steering group.

“Colwyn Bay is on the up and all it now needs is this belief from businesses and I think the BID will help that.

“The county council and Welsh Government have invested so much in Colwyn Bay and now there is the opportunity for businesses to take hold of their own futures.

“We are looking to set up a platform that would see upwards of £1m raised over five years, that would be spent by the businesses for the businesses. They would have total control.”

Businesses have been responding to a survey to establish their interest in the BID and also what they look like it to focus on. The survey is still on-going.

Chris said: ““A sense of identity has come over very strongly indeed, a general sense of identity for the whole area and then distinct identities for the four component areas.”

This could see Old Colwyn’ promoted as a prime area for hair and beauty shops, Rhos become a hub for cafes and restaurants, and Mochdre as a top destination for home renovations.

He added: “Colwyn Bay itself is building a reputation with the beach, sports and leisure, there are opportunities there for businesses and retail and the professional services industries.”

An example of what the BID could do is to help link the town centre with the successful beach. It could see town maps created, additional signage or even support a land train to transport people around the area.

Chris said: “Meanwhile in Mochdre they feel they get no real recognition in things like signage. All areas will be represented and all areas will benefit.

“As well as helping to pay for things the BID will have a single voice which will carry more clout with the local authority.

“We can have more influence.”

A month long ballot will take place in October/November with over 50% of those who vote having to back the plan for it to move forward.

If backed businesses will then contribute between 1% and 2%