Banbury business attacks town centre levy demand over cash-starved lockdown

The Lakeside Bowl in George Street, Banbury. Picture by Google

Pete Terry of Banbury Bowl reopened the George Street facility on August 15 at only half its capacity to satisfy strict Covid-19 guidelines. The closure of the bowling alley over five months has slashed the business's income.

But in spite of the extraordinary circumstances Mr Terry was shocked to receive the bill for £1,327.50 as his company's contribution to Banbury Business Improvement District (BID) over and above his other overheads. He was given seven days to pay or face legal action.

In a frustrated email to Banbury BID and Cherwell District Council he explained he had tried to telephone the council - which collects the money for Banbury BID - but gave up after 30 minutes without a reply.

The Lakeside bowling alley has been quiet for weeks, with no income, during lockdown

In his letter Mr Terry demanded to know what the Banbury BID has done to enhance or promote his business.

He said: "Bowling alleys have been closed for five months by law. With a rateable value of over £51k we have had no grant support. Rents are still 100 per cent enforceable despite being closed.

"We recommenced trading on August 15 at 50 per cent capacity resulting in a 40 per cent decline in takings. We don’t have to pay rates this year - why are we being threatened to pay for a BID? If Banbury is a Business Improvement Area surely businesses need help and encouragement not another bill.

"How does the BID expect us to pay this when, thanks to government action to close us, I am already battling landlords and other bills. Please could you outline what if anything the BID has done to enhance or promote my business as all I can see is a burdensome bill with no benefit to us."

The BID levy demand made to Lakeside Bowl

Mr Terry has asked the council to use its discretionary powers to cancel the levy. He has copied his letter of complaint to Banbury MP Victoria Prentis.

On its website Banbury BID says the organisation brings together 539 levy-paying businesses and organisations in Banbury town centre.

It says: "The BID’s focus is building on the strengths of our town centre, working together with our levy-payers, partner organisations and our local community so that it’s the best it can be as a place to run a business or organisation, to work, live, shop and visit."

Its projects for 2020 include a town centre cleaning initiative, distribution of post-Covid reopening starter kits for businesses, a ShopAppy Banbury app to help people buy local online during lockdown and promotion of a gallery of inspirational business people who have adapted to the challenges of the coronavirus emergency.

Cherwell District Council has been approached for a comment.