THE blueprint for the Alloa First Business Improvement District (BID) has been unveiled, setting out the plan for business in the town for the next five years.

Launched at an event held for levy-payers at St Mungo’s Community Café on Thursday, August 10, it outlined the BID’s ambitions for the period of 2023-2028.

The plan has been broken down into four key themes over the next five years – pride and promotion, experience, environment, and engage and support.

Through these themes, the BID aims to promote Alloa locally and nationally with ambitions to attract more businesses to set up shop in the town.

Alloa First aims to provide promotional training for local businesses, enabling them to advertise better and encourage customers to view their products.

The BID promises to maintain and upgrade CCTV camera within Alloa, following on from complaints of anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

The general outlook of vacant properties is to be tidied up by improving the floral enhancement programme.

Attracting additional funding opportunities is set to be prioritised in the new plan and Alloa First plan on attending meetings with partner organisations to ensure significant town centre representation.

The BID 2023-2028 plan was unveiled ahead of a pivotal vote for levy-payers for the continuation of the project in Alloa, set to go ahead next month.

Hugh McMichael, chair of Alloa First, said: “Your opportunity to vote for the future of Alloa town centre is now. I urge you to vote yes and put Alloa First.

“Over the next five years, Alloa First would continue to focus on key areas – enhancing the town and introducing new projects which will make Alloa more vibrant, welcoming and promoted.

“I am sure many businesses want to maintain this effort and bring further enhancements that will continue to boost the economy and make Alloa town centre better for businesses and visitors.”

The BID was behind the installation of the CCTV network in the town centre, and also launched a free weekly recycling service.

Its plan has been backed by several businesses already including Rhona McCallum, owner of Rhona McCallum Hair.

She said: “We’ve had a business in Alloa for over 30 years. For 15 years, we’ve had the support of Alloa First.

“I don’t think the people of Alloa realise how much Alloa First does for the town centre and the businesses in it.

“It will be deeply missed if we don’t get the yes vote.”

The BID had come under fire recently with the announcement of a levy increase for businesses.

Some shop owners criticised the BID for the increase, highlighting the mandatory enrolment in the project while not directly getting any benefit from it.

The increase, which Alloa First state is the equivalent of £1-a-week extra for businesses on the lowest rate, will be used to fund enhanced work over the next five years, including match-funding grants to improve building frontages.

Ballot papers for the vote will be issued in the last week of August and all eligible voters will have six weeks to return their postal vote ahead of the Thursday, October 5 deadline.

Results will be announced on Friday, October 6.