Why keep the BID going?

The Town Centre needs to hold its own in the face of a national decline in retail sales. As we have proved over the last four years, together we are strong and can sustain a collective fight back. With a “yes” vote, we will see more than one million pounds of additional investment brought into Royston.

Our Industrial Estate is in robust health with new businesses choosing it for their regional base alongside international “names”. We must continue to ensure that it is seen as an attractive location to invest in, especially from the security angle. Promoting the area’s successes more extensively will support the wider town and community.

“I have been the Sergeant at Royston for over four years and during that time I have worked closely with Royston First on a number of projects. It has been an excellent partnership which has proved immensely successful in reducing crime and disorder around the town.

In each of these four years the crime rate in Royston and villages has fallen – from over 1,000 crimes to less than 600 forecast for this year and this is in no small part due to our work with Royston First. Initiatives such as the Royston First-funded ANPR system and our extra police patrols (Operation Artemis) have both played a huge part in this reduction.

Royston is very much the better for Royston First’s funding of, and collaboration with, our local police work.”

The Police Sergeant

“I supported the Business Improvement District legislation when it was brought in front of Parliament in 2003 and was subsequently pleased to see it enacted in my home town. Since the 2009 launch, I’ve followed the work of the Royston First BID and have been impressed by the scope of the projects delivered. I am convinced that renewal for a further five year term is an important way forward for our town and I commend the BID to the voting businesses.”

The MP

“Royston First has greatly benefited our business, not least in the increased security and police presence on the industrial estate, both of which have had a noticeable effect. The various parking schemes have made it easier for our employees to park in Royston, and we have increased our use of local suppliers based in the Town Centre as a result. We are looking forward to working together on the Visitor Information Centre.”

The Business Owner