DARTMOUTH Town Council has come out in support of keeping the town’s controversial Business Improvement District.

At a special meeting in the Guildhall on Thursday night councillors voted by nine to four against a move by BID directors to wind up the company with effect from the end of May.

All BID members will get the chance to vote on the proposal which will once-and-for-all decided the future of the ill-fated BID project.

Dartmouth Town Council pays a levy on around half-a-dozen properties but only gets one vote in the election process on Tuesday, May 10.

Despite having serious reservations over the handling of the BID scheme, the majority of town councillors felt it was too much an important opportunity for Dartmouth to abandon. Many said if it was to be saved, it was vital for a new management structure to be put in place.

The council also voted in favour of altering the articles of association which will enable funds to be returned to levy payers should the BID actually fold.

Full story in next week’s Chronicle.