Voting will take place later this month to decide whether to grant a second five-year term for RTW Together – the Business Improvement District scheme currently in place in Tunbridge Wells.

The not-for-profit CIC (community interest company) was formed in 2019 and works on behalf of more than 640 town centre members.

Ballot slips were mailed out this month as it looks to secure another five-year stint. Voting starts on February 24 and ends on February 29.

Alex Green, the BID CEO, said: “Over the past five years we have invested a total of over £2.1 million in our levy members – including offering free training, services, resources, support for networking opportunities and information sharing.

“We also brought people to the town through extensive promotion, running events such as our Coronation Weekend and Big Reveal and providing crucial funding to most events, festivals and cultural venues. Finally, we invested in the safety and appearance of our great town by paying for security patrols, town centre CCTV, supporting The Safe Town Partnership, planters, artwork and decorative lighting including the Christmas lights.

“If granted a second term, our vision is to build on this activity, and by capitalising on the economies of scale of working together, ensure that our town and our business community are supported to fulfil their potential.”

A business plan for the next five years has been circulated to members.

Business Improvement Districts enable coordinated investment in the management and marketing of a commercial area. There are some 350 around the UK – including Maidstone and Canterbury.

Each BID is established for a five-year term – but relies on a successful ballot to gain approval.

The BID will receive payments from the businesses it represents proportionate to their rateable value. This then goes into an investment fund which is spent on improvements to the catchment area, above and beyond those delivered by the local authority.

The outcome of the RTW Together vote will be announced on March 1.