Alloa & Hillfoots

Rift between Alloa traders and business improvement district

THERE is a growing rift between a section of traders and Alloa's business improvement district as the BID's renewal approaches. Traders have voiced a variety of concerns over Alloa First and its proposals, questioning the value the organisation brings to its members. Business were recently told of a sizeable planned increase to the fee they each have to pay, which is used to fund collective improvements in the town centre. While Alloa First said the increase – the first in 15 years – will be "modest" and should amount to £1-a-week for those in the lowest rates.

However, independent traders have labelled the move as another bill they do not need. Businesses recently banded together to launch a petition, with Steven Francis, who runs the gent's barbers Faded, collecting around 50 signatures. Concerns have been raised over a lack of consultation, proposed rises to charges, a lack of communication and more.

Steven, who opened Faded last September but said has since been blocked from Alloa First social media, told the Advertiser: "I wasn't approached by them and my shop looks directly onto their office. "The first bit of contact I ever had from them was a letter that says 'this is your final bill' [for the BID levy]." Daphne Hamilton at The Wee Gallery on Candleriggs explained she was facing a 30 per cent increase in the BID levy under the renewal proposals. She said: "As a person with a business within the BID area of Alloa I have not been consulted about the proposals in any meaningful way, or, indeed, had the opportunity to discuss renewal proposals and levy options with the BID proposers."

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