Plans to create a Business Improvement District (BID) to enhance Chester have received a further boost with another three city centre businesses announcing their decision to vote ‘yes’ in the June ballot.

Kayes Jewellers, the Barbour shop and QualitySolicitors Oliver and Co are the latest names to declare their support for the BID, which, if successful, will generate more than £2.5 million to fund improvements businesses believe are essential to increase footfall and profitability in the city.

The trio (pictured) follow retail heavyweights such as Primark, Debenhams, Marks and Spencer and a host of other businesses that have joined the board of the CH1ChesterBID Company – the team driving the proposal to bring a BID to Chester.

“CH1ChesterBID has come up with a winning idea in pushing for a BID in Chester,” said Tony Kaye of Kayes Jewellers.

“It’s a great example of proactivity and the best chance we have of creating a better future for the city centre’s retail scene. I can only encourage retailers to show a united front and get behind the Chester CH1 BID.”

Paul Daniels Chairman of CH1 Chester BID Company and Managing Director of thebestofchester said: “We’ve always maintained that the CH1 Chester BID is a campaign by Chester businesses for Chester businesses and the calibre of the supporters is a huge step forward in ensuring we secure that all important yes vote come June.

“The addition of three such established businesses to the BID board, particularly coming, as it does, hot on the heels of the appointment of Primark manager Eryl Edwards as Vice Chairman of the board, speaks volumes about the support the BID campaign is attracting.

“We’re delighted to have these businesses and, more importantly, these people on board and we urge others to follow suit. Together we can turn Chester around and make this city great again.”