Food, drink and leisure companies along the Yorkshire coastline have voted against renewing a business improvement district (BID), which has operated for just five years.
The Yorkshire Coast BID has taken a 1.5% levy from accommodation providers, pubs, shops, restaurants and leisure providers since August 2019.
The BID, which covers the area from Spurn Point in East Yorkshire to Staithes in the north, said it used the levy to provide services that drive up footfall and spending, such as street art, events and plastic-free beach campaigns.
But dozens of businesses ended up in court after refusing to pay and just 38 out of 227 votes cast in a recent ballot were in favour of a second five-year term.
The chair of the BID, Clive Rowe-Evans, said: ‘The “No” campaign has fought diligently, and we hope that the same energy and passion will now be refocused on supporting the business community so that the area stays vibrant and well-promoted for future generations to enjoy.
‘We wish the business community well in raising those vital funds to allow the many great events and initiatives that businesses, residents and visitors have enjoyed over the last five years.’
