Business owners in Dartmouth have voted overwhelmingly to close down the town’s Business Improvement District.

At the BID’s recent annual general meeting, the five BID directors, Peter Consibee, of The Flavel; Nigel Way, of the Royal Castle Hotel; Mark Simpson, of By the Dart; Dee Nutt, of Dartmouth Caring; and Jo Moon, of Dartmouth Self Storage, had proposed winding up the BID, citing a lack of support and enthusiasm for the two-year-old project.

BID members, levy payers who had registered with the organisation, voted by 83 per cent to close it down.

The total number in favour of the directors’ proposal was 168.

Just 10 business owners opposed the motion, in a ballot overseen by South Hams Council.

Among those who wanted to see the BID continue were the town council and Paul Reach, who founded the project.

A BID spokesman said: ’The results of the vote are conclusive and in respect of both proposals those in favour have exceeded the 75 per cent threshold. Arrangements will therefore be put in motion to close down the Dartmouth BID.’

He added: ’This will involve both our lawyers and accountants and is likely to take some time. We hope that the surplus, less of course the costs of closure, will be refunded to you when this process is complete.’

South Hams Council executive director Steve Jorden said: ’The council has noted the decision by Dartmouth BID Ltd to terminate operating the BID. While this is disappointing, the BID businesses have spoken and the ballot results demonstrate a reluctance for the BID to continue.

’The council will wind up the BID arrangements in accordance with the regulations and will publish the outcome no later than July 15.’

More on this story, plus reaction in next week’s Dartmouth Chronicle