ANDOVER BID has joined forces with other BIDs (business improvement districts) in the UK to lobby the government and seek urgent call for financial help to businesses.

Steve Godwin, manager of Andover BID, said he has been contacted by Andover Town Centre businesses concerned about the “unacceptable” increase in the cost of living and its likely impact on the high street and businesses.

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He said: “The impact on our retailers, the hospitality industry, and our leisure and office sectors, who are all experiencing huge, predicted cost increases, comes when much-needed recovery after Covid had begun.

“Andover BID has therefore joined forces with other BIDs in the UK and through our membership organisation, British BIDs and the Association of Town Centre Management. We are urgently lobbying the government and the new Prime Minister so that as soon as he/she is appointed next week, this issue is at the forefront of their agenda.

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“Several other business organisations, some of the larger breweries and pub companies are also lobbying the government separately, and all will be contacting our local MP and other leaders to support our aim.”

Mr Godwin added that a lack of support will impact negatively on an already fragile high street.