Figures and evidence criticised

Responding to the council’s decision, the chair of the Yorkshire Coast BID, Clive RoweEvans, said the motion had “been largely strong-armed by a select number of businesses in the area” and that some of the “evidence presented in the lead up to the decision has not been accurate and reflective of the work that has been delivered”.

“We’ve been saddened to witness some of the behaviour which a number of our staff and directors have also been subject to”, he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Rowe-Evans said: “Some of the figures quoted and the evidence presented in the lead-up to the decision has not been accurate and reflective of the work that has been delivered by the Yorkshire Coast BID over the last three years.

“In the last three years, we’ve invested £489,000 back into Scarborough, Whitby, Filey and surrounding villages on a number of different initiatives, all to promote, protect and support local businesses.

“We support grassroots projectslikeScarboroughStories which has sought to empower individuals to grow and share their work and passion for the town. Projects such as this give a voice to the next generation of entrepreneurs and creatives.”

Mr Rowe-Evans added: “As a region, we all want to strive towards the same common goal – to support the success of the Yorkshire coast and better it for future generations – and this is something we should be delivering together, as a united community.

“We’re incredibly proud of our involvement in such a wide range of different projects which showcase and highlight the cultural offering available across the different coastal towns and will continue our work supporting all those levy payers who have backed the BID until at least July 2024.

“This will not distract us from promoting and protecting Scarborough, Whitby, Filey and all the villages inbetween as part of our wonderful coastal area.”