It’s extra time for the traders
Firms get payment plan for controversial levy
Traders can breathe a temporary sigh of relief after bosses at Paisley First caved in to demands to stagger overdue fees.
Representatives from the business group met with town centre firms over their failure to stump up the annual levy.
Now the Business Improvement Directors (BID) is offering a four-month payment plan to allow traders additional time to pay.
Paisley First, the group tasked with regeneration the town centre, posted letters to firms which have outstanding bills outlining the payment plan.
But the organisation is also warning sheriff officers will be called in if companies still fail to pay their dues.
Paisley First manager Andrew Mitchell said: “I have spoken to several shop owners, while our chairman Ian Henderson has also had discussions with businesses to explain the situation.
“We want to help the town centre businesses as much as we can and we appreciate that times can be tough.
“It was agreed to set up the fourmonth payment plan, starting at the end of February, whereby owners can spread the total cost.
“We think this is a fair way to deal with the money Paisley First is owed.”
He added that Paisley First manages the funds from levy fees, which are legally-binding payments.
However, collection for these payments is managed via Renfrewshire Council and is enforced by sheriff officers.
In November, Paisley First put the brakes on legal action to recover unpaid fees after hundreds signed a petition against the move.
Paisley First was accused of using “Mafia-style” tactics after sheriff officers turned up at businesses in the town threatening to take away equipment and stock to recover the cash.
Almost 300 people signed the petition urging the group to call off the action, which campaigners said could put firms out of business.
The petition was started by businessman Davie Walker, who owns Davie the Barber’s in Causeyside Street.
He took action after sheriff officers threatened to seize his stock and equipment because he refused to pay Paisley First fees.
He said he considered the move to be like something the Mafia would do, and he called on other businesses to back him.
Mark Sutherland, of the Square Cafe Bistro, in Paisley; Councillor Will Mylet, member for Paisley East and Ralston, and Paisley MSP George Adam are among those who have spoke out against Paisley First’s levy collection approach.
Mr Mitchell added: “If anyone wants to ask about the payments, we can help them with any questions they may have.”
The move comes after Paisley First agreed to suspend enforcement action being taken by sheriff officers over outstanding levies.
Traders voiced concern they were not given enough time to discuss their BID levy and to make arrangement for payment by instalments.
The first payment would be due by the end of next month, with the remaining three payments due by the end of March, April and May.
BID bosses added that if a first payment is not made by the end of February 2017, or any subsequent payments are missed, then sheriff officers will immediately be instructed to proceed with enforcement action.