BAILIFFS have called on businesses who have not paid their levy to the Dartmouth Business Improvement District.

Enforcement officers visited premises in the town on Wednes­­day afternoon demanding payment.

Despite warnings that legal action would be taken against levy non-payers, some business owners believe the bailiff action was a step too far.

They said they would be making their feelings known at last night's open meeting of the BID in the Guildhall.

Sonia Powell, South Hams Council's support services admin lead, confirmed that account details had been sent to the bailiffs following the issue of liability orders against 25 Dartmouth businesses at Plymouth magistrates court on Friday, February 27. Of those, only one had paid, she said.

Once information was handed over to bailiffs, how they made collections was at their discretion, she said.

The 24 remaining businesses owe a BID levy ranging from £150 to £300 and can expect to have to pay court costs of £80 plus bailiffs fees.

BID chairman Nigel Way said: 'The BID was established just over a year ago to uplift the economic performance of Dartmouth and its arrival will benefit all local businesses in one way or another.

'The majority of local companies voted to establish the BID and, consequently, all businesses are required to make a contribution to the work that is being done on their behalf in the improvement of Dartmouth's economy and environment.

'We were unaware that the bailiffs would be visiting those with outstanding bills today but it is the role of South Hams Council to issue liability orders and, once issued, it becomes a matter for the courts to complete the legal process and collect the BID levy.'