TOWN centre businesses are being asked to vote to give Redditch a voice.

A potential Business Improvement District (BID) is promising to put the town on the map via a collection of new events - including an enhanced Christmas lights switch on, a Christmas tree trail, and a town centre events calendar.

All of which will have the aim of driving more visitors into the town.

It is also promising to support businesses by offering support packages to smaller independent businesses operating within the BID area - where the local businesses have voted to invest together, to improve their local trading environment.

The overall aim is to raise the profile of the town centre, challenge perceptions, and showcase everything it has to offer.

Ken Williams, general manager of Kingfisher Shopping Centre, and chair of the steering group behind Redditch BID, said it is vital this happens for the town.

"We have surveyed and consulted with over 200 businesses and we feel that now is the time for a business-led and business-funded body to make a real difference, especially at a time when so many new homes are being built on our doorstep," he said.

"This BID will not be a vehicle to replace council services but it will be a voice that can hold the local authority and others to account.

"It will not be an organisation that replaces the events that already take place, but it will enhance them further."

He added: "With £1.4m of investment in our town over the next five years the BID will provide more events, a stronger marketing presence and a voice that shouts about all of the great things that are happening."

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business-funded organisation with the aim of improving the area they trade in.

A BID is established via a formal vote, and eligible businesses will be sent ballot papers on June 28.

They then have until July 25 to vote yes or no.

If successful, the BID will commence delivery of services on September 1 and will continue for a period of five years to August 2024.

For more on the Redditch BID, go to redditchbid.co.uk