Bedminster Business Improvement District reacts to no vote in third ballot

Bedminster Business Improvement District reacts to no vote in third ballot

Bedminster’s trading community voted against continuing the Business Improvement District with a narrow 6% margin.

The announcement comes in the face of tough trading conditions for Bristol’s high streets and a cost of living crisis impacting spending with local businesses.

Ade Williams, Bedminster BID Chair comments;

“We’re very disappointed that with so much still to do for the area, the BID won’t be able to supplement the work of the Council at a time when resources are so stretched. We will be meeting next week with traders to discuss next steps and if there is a way to continue to work together as a community.”

Ruth Green, BID Manager explains;

“I’ve only been supporting this community of traders since June 23 and it's been a privilege. The board and the traders working alongside us have achieved some amazing things over a decade from creating brilliant Make Sunday Special events, supporting the Lantern Parade and Upfest, improving the street scene with murals celebrating local and planting pocket parks. We’ve amassed over 20,000 followers on social media channels and helped to make Bedminster what it is today.”

“The business plan focused on the request from traders to increase cleaning in the area and improve safety, as well as supporting events such as the eat:Bedminster market and continuing the recent work to create Bristol Art District. As a local resident I’ve watched as Bedminster has undergone a transformation, with hundreds of new traders and shortly 6000 new residents moving to the area as developments come to completion. If this is the end of the BID, then we will be leaving it in a much better position than when the BID was first created.

The BID has ring fenced funds for street cleaning and Christmas lights throughout the area and will continue to support traders until the end of this term on 31st October.’