Future of £500k Bilston trade initiative in danger amid claims businesses were misled over funding

The Bilston Business Improvement District – BID – was voted in by a slender majority last summer.

It requires businesses to stump up cash towards improving Bilston's day-to-day economy by pooling resources for advertising, increased security and joint projects.

But a group of traders are calling for a re-vote on the scheme over claims that many firms did not realise they would have to contribute funding for the project. Business owners in the town have to fork out between £250 and £15,000 per year to fund the BID, dependent on the rateable value of their business. Some traders told the Express & Star they were refusing to pay the levy. BID bosses say they complied with 'all the relevant legislation and good practice' during the voting process.

There are 232 businesses operating in Bilston. The BID was voted in last summer by 52 per cent to 48 per cent. Chris Hill, who runs Phoenix Tattoo Studio on Mount Pleasant, said: "We were told that Bilston would be left behind if we didn't sign up, but there was no mention of us having to pay to get involved."

Paul Watson, boss at Past and Present Domestic Appliances on Church Street, said he had garnered 150 signatures on a petition to block the BID. It was mis-sold to us," he said. "To expect us to come up with money at a time when we're all trying to keep our heads above water is just wrong."

Wolverhampton South East MP Pat McFadden, who met with traders last week, has called on BID bosses and the local authority to respond to the concerns raised.

"The BID could be good for Bilston if it generates more funds to improve the town," he said.

Raj Randhawa, chairman of Bilston BID, said: "

We encourage even those that are sceptical to work with us and we'll see the benefits."