For those who are not aware, the BID is having a ballot for businesses included in the BID map to vote on extending the BID area map in Andover.

This new area will include Asda, the cinema, and whoever owns Keen House. It also includes two car parks owned by Test Valley Borough Council, which five years ago voted in a BID ballot, using one vote per car park they owned.

So, should say, Asda and the cinema vote no, it will immediately be cancelled out by the TVBC two car park votes who will obviously vote yes.

A number of smaller shops from Carrs Corner to St Mary's Church have also been added, and should the vote go to yes again, they will be included in the extra levy payments to the BID, unless the size of the shop prevents it, then I believe they will still be allowed to vote and reap any benefits the BID offers.

Obviously Steve Godwin will explain if I haven’t got that right. The map of the existing area plus the new area can be found on TVBC website Andover BID ballot 2023.

Finally, the ballot is postal, so the Royal Mail had better get their act together, so no votes are mislaid and not counted!

Ron Wood

Ashfield Road

Andover

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