TIME is ticking for an ambitious scheme that aims to put a town centre at the heart of its  thriving community. 

Businesses around Barrow have just a few weeks to decide whether or not to support a progressive new venture, the Barrow BID (Business Improvement District.)

A BID is a private sector initiative that strives to make key changes to a specific area to help attract visitors and revitalise the town centre. 

Phil Collier, chairman of the BID, believes there is no other option.

He said: "If this doesn't happen then the town centre will just continue to decline. Whether the investment coming into the area will arrest that slightly, I don't know, but without a drive from within the town centre to make sure it happens, it won't."

The BID is hoping to make vital improvements to Barrow town centre to keep money flowing into the town for generations to come. 

These improvements are funded from a pot of cash grossing more than £800,000 over a five-year-period that is generated from an additional levy paid by businesses. 

This levy will be fixed at 1.5 per cent of a business premises' current rateable value, with some smaller businesses paying as little as 16p a day. 

Rob Dunphy, volunteer event manager at Sonic Zoo Industries, in Carlisle Street, Barrow, is delighted to vote in favour of the scheme to help promote everything the town has to offer. 

He said: "I will support the vote for a Barrow BID. I have always been impressed with the positivity and creativity of local business owners and the BID could potentially result in the town centre giving a better representation of these varied and vibrant businesses. 

"This collaboration of private sector businesses, who are all dedicated to giving visitors a unique and worthwhile experience, aims to deliver a strategy that will both improve the town centre and external perceptions of it."

Kim Hadwin, workforce development manager for PHX Training, said: "I am a full supporter of the Barrow BID and I know PHX as a company is as well. Anything that can help revive the town and increase job opportunities will always be a benefit. 

"As a training and apprenticeship provider, this is something we feel very passionately about."

With less than three weeks to go, Mr Collier is urging businesses not to be complacent and to do what they can to help shape the future of their town. 

He said: "No-one else is going to fund this and if Barrow businesses miss this opportunity to do it themselves it just won't happen."

To find out more about the BID contact Mr Collier at phil@philcollierassociates.com