AN OSWESTRY company based on the Mile End Business Park has written to fellow industrial estate businesses to consider their vote to renew the Business Improvement District (BID).

Gemma Cap, from Morgans, has sent the letter – seen by The Advertizer – to other businesses ahead of the vote for give Oswestry BID a second term, with a deadline of November 3.

Gemma, who says she is a former BID board member, urged people to consider whether the organisation – which has the support of Shropshire and Oswestry Town Councils – has benefitted their businesses and to vote based on that equation.

She wrote: "You are no doubt aware that the Oswestry BID are currently campaigning to get in for another five-year term and it is time to vote.

"In their first term I joined the Board in the hope I could contribute some worthwhile ways to raise awareness of our businesses on the industrial estates but felt my attempts were futile and so surrendered my position to focus fully on growing my own businesses.

"If your business has a rateable value of £12k or more, you are a fellow BID levy payer.

"You are having to pay 1.75 per cent of your rateable value. I am asking you just to consider the following before you do cast your vote."

Gemma highlighted BID's four stated aims of achievement – raising the profile of Oswestry, providing support and encouraging investment, cultivating the town as a 'great place'. and also developing a safe environment to enjoy living in the town.

In the letter, she claims that some of that work was already in place prior to BID, highlighting popular events such as the balloon carnival or the Food and Drink Festival or was as a result of other stakeholders such as the councils.

But while she also stated that many customers of BID businesses are not aware of it, those with a say must make cast a vote that best supports their interests, whether it is yes or no.

She said: "I spent an entire day on the counter at Morgans of Oswestry asking all of our customers (both public and trade) whether they had heard of the Oswestry BID.

"A resounding 96 per cent answered ‘No’ – just food for thought.

"In short, my point is that if you vote ‘No’ the money you keep hold of could be spent how you see fit to spend it.

"Has Oswestry BID improved the Business District?

"I encourage you to vote as ‘your vote is your voice’ and you must put your business needs above all else.

"You can do so through the paper ballot that will be mailed to you and it needs to be returned by November 3."