What is a Business Improvement District (BID)?

The Business Improvement District Regulations 2004 enables local businesses and other stakeholders to form partnerships to implement improvements which will benefit their local area. BIDs work in addition to existing local authority services to revitalise an area and address issues such as image, security, cleanliness or local transport.

In 2007, major rate paying organisations in Blackburn’s Greenbank, Furthergate and Whitebirk business parks formally voted in favour of a proposal to establish a BID for the area.  The businesses pay an annual contribution (based on their business rates) to fund additional security and improve the local environment for the benefit of businesses, employees and visitors.

In 2017, the businesses voted in favour to continue the BID for an additional five years.

WHAT ARE THE BLACKBURN EDZ BID AIMS AND SERVICES?

The Blackburn EDZ BID aims to improve the image and security of the Furthergate, Greenbank and Whitebirk business park areas of Blackburn through the delivery of CCTV and business park warden services.

To enhance the security across the area and to businesses, a network of CCTV cameras have been installed and are monitored live in the CCTV monitoring station, which is located in Blackburn Town Centre. The purpose of the cameras is to monitor the BID area and minimise issues such as fly-tipping, arson and anti-social behaviour to keep the business parks safer.

To enhance the image of the BID area, the EDZ BID funds two business wardens who patrol the BID area during the week. They maintain the appearance of the area and ensure that it is kept to a good standard. They carry out activities such as litter picking, waste removal, repairs to street furniture, making improvements to the landscape and reporting evidence of drug abuse in the area.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HAVING THE BLACKBURN EDZ BID?

Not only does the BID improve and maintain the image of the business parks, but since the BID began in 2007, statistics from Lancashire Constabulary have shown a significant reduction in reported crime since the cameras were installed.

The additional services provided by the BID have continued to make the business parks of Greenbank, Furthergate and Whitebirk a safer, cleaner and greener place to work and visit.