Regeneration plan on track but ‘real work starts now’ for Bid

The Crieff Succeeds Bid (Business Improvement District) has been given a resounding level of support, with 69.79% of votes cast in favour of its 2015-2020 business plan.

The current steering group will continue, along with the support of Alan Rankin as project leader, through to the formation of the new board.

The Bid company will be set up in line with other Bids across Scotland and charged with delivering the £700,000 business plan. It will seek to promote Crieff, improve the town as a place to visit, and provide a strong voice for the Crieff business community.

Votes in favour were 134, with 58 against. The postal ballot was carried out by the Electoral Reform Services of London.

Stephen Leckie, Crieff Bid chairman, said: “The members of the Bid steering group are delighted with the outcome of the vote. The result now sets in motion a series of actions that will result in the Bid becoming a reality in September.

“The real work starts now, as the success or otherwise of the Bid will be down to the energy and efforts of those who choose to join the board and help make a difference for Crieff and the people who live and work here.”

Mr Rankin added: “We will be writing to the owners and rate payers of each of the 312 properties that received a ballot paper, inviting each to nominate themselves to sit on the board.

“The board will be a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 16. Two places are reserved for the council. If more than 14 names come forward, there will be a ballot where all persons owning or managing the 312 properties will vote to choose the new board. It meets on September 1.”