BUSINESSES on a Northwich park have voted to make it a Business Improvement District (BID) for the next five years.

The proposal for Gadbrook Park, in Rudheath, is the result of 18 months work and will mean a number of improvements.

John Fifield, acting chairman of the Gadbrook Park BID Group, said: “The business improvement district will deliver four themes of work, aimed at reducing crime, improving transport, enhancing signage and ensuring that business support is better coordinated.

“The project will also provide a business park manager, who will work closely with the resident companies on a range of opportunities to improve Gadbrook Park as a trading environment.”

The five-year project will be funded by a supplementary levy on business rates, which was approved by a majority of companies in a secret ballot during September.

It is supported through a partnership between businesses on Gadbrook Park, Cheshire West and Chester Council and environmental trust Groundwork Cheshire.

Clr Herbert Manley, portfolio holder for prosperity, said: “This is the second successful Business Improvement District in Cheshire West and Chester.

“The first successful vote was on Winsford Industrial Estate in 2005, which has since gone on to become a thriving and much improved trading environment for companies, attracting new businesses and retaining many of its long term resident companies.”