A CHALLENGE to void a vote on a Business Improvement District (BID) launching in the town has failed.

The secretary of state for housing, communities and local government has confirmed that Andover BID will be launched on April 1 following a vote last year.

The setting up of the BID means business in the town centre will pay a levy to the scheme.

Chair of the steering group Lisa Armstrong said she is “delighted with the news and is looking forward to the town centre businesses seeing the improvements from the levy”.

Following the result, in which 70 votes backed the initiative and 67 against, Lisa has stepped down as chair and has handed the position over to vice chair Kevin Paterson.

The organisation has said that Kevin is empowered to press on with implementing the business prospectus and is enthused about the future benefits to town centre business and visitors.

Economic portfolio holder at Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), Councillor David Drew, said: “I am very pleased that the BID company will now be able to move forward following the secretary of state’s decision to uphold the result of the Andover ballot following an appeal.

“I am confident that the BID will help to make a significant difference to the town centre. Though TVBC is the collection agent for the BID funding, it is of course the businesses who will decide how this money is spent in maximising the potential for Andover.

“A number of council projects will complement the work of the BID Company to drive up footfall and significantly enhance the town centre, including the creation of the new Riverside Park at Town Mills.”

The board has also appointed a BID manager to work closely with the businesses and the board, who will start the part-time role on April 15.

The BID company has now been incorporated and the funds are now available for the projects to commence.

Before the vote, Andover BID said it is likely to deliver more than £1 million of additional investment into the town during its first five-year term, which would be spent on projects businesses said they wanted.

If you are interested in becoming a director on the board or part of the advisory group, contact Kevin Paterson.