With plans for a Business Improvement District in Rye overwhelmingly rejected, local firms have been telling Rye News it’s time for the town to come together after many months of division.
Two hundred and ninety of the town’s shops, pubs, restaurants and businesses were sent ballot papers for the controversial levy, which could have raised over £90,000 for marketing and town centre improvements. Qualifying businesses would have had to pay the annual charge, based on rateable value, for five years.
One hundred and seventy-nine votes were cast in the vote. 63 in favour. 116 against. Over a hundred votes were not submitted.
Whilst a larger amount of the rateable value in town was cast in favour of the proposals, to make the BID happen a majority of votes AND rateable value was needed to be in favour.
Matt Breckon, managing director of Rye Kino and chair of the Rye BID task group, said the result was disappointing. “The BID process is designed to be open, transparent and democratic, with the final decision resting with the business community through an independent ballot. The businesses of Rye have expressed their collective view, and we fully respect that decision. The focus should now be on considering alternative ways in which we can continue to support and strengthen our town.”
The Rye BID has been contentious from the start, with division on the high street playing out on social media and instant messaging.
Last summer, Rye News spoke to two local businesses who were for and against the BID proposals. Speaking after the result, the owners of both companies hoped the town could move on from the animosity of recent months.
“It was the right decision,” said Mark Walter from The Green House on The Mint. “There was a huge turnout, much bigger than usual in a BID ballot, almost 60%. That shows the strength of feeling in Rye. Small businesses came out in their droves to oppose the plans.”
The firms came together for the town he said. “Rye is celebrated for its independent shops who continue to do business in tough trading conditions. Now the BID is over I hope we can continue to work together as a town and the divisions can heal.”
“We shouldn’t let the aftermath become even more divisive or personal,” said Silvia Shinn from Plaristo on Rye High Street. “Whatever people thought of the BID itself, a number of local individuals gave their time and energy because they believed they were trying to do something positive for the town.”
She said the the challenges the BID tried to address have not disappeared. “I hope this moment can be an opportunity to reset the tone and think about how we work together from here, in a way that brings people with us rather than pushing them apart.”
The result of the Rye BID ballot was announced by Lorna Ford, Returning Officer and Chief Executive of Rother District Council. She also looked to the future. “We should all continue to work together in the spirit of collaboration and the best interest of the town. This ballot may not have led to the creation of a BID at this stage, but the ambition behind it – to see Rye thrive, to see businesses supported, to see the town prosper – remains shared by all of us.”
The BID’s rejection is likely to dominate Rye Chamber of Commerce’s AGM on Thursday 19 February. Rye News will have a report next week.
Image Credits: Rye BID , RDC .