CONSULTATION gets underway this week on a plan to breathe new life into Altrincham.

An Altrincham Forward-led project aims to forming a Business Improvement District (BID) in the town centre.

This forms part of the Altrincham Strategic plan being pursued since 2013 and aims to bring guaranteed investment to the town centre each year for the next five years, by means of a modest town-wide business levy.

Results from a survey last year highlighted the key areas of concern for Altrincham businesses, and following on from this, the current consultation will look at potential BID projects that help revitalise the town.

The results from this survey will then be used to form a detailed five-year BID business plan, which will be communicated in June.

Eligible businesses will then be asked to vote on this business plan in October, and in the event of a positive outcome, a BID could be operating in Altrincham from April 2016.

The consultation runs until March 27, during which time the BID project team will be visiting businesses across the town centre to discuss of the proposal and answer questions.

The survey is also accessible to fill in online at www.altrinchamforward.co.uk.

Councillor Sean Anstee, chairman of the Altrincham Forward Board and leader of Trafford Council, said: “The creation of a BID is another piece in the jigsaw of Altrincham’s regeneration, and is a real opportunity for town centre businesses to influence the development and management of the town over the next five years.”

Martin Duff, owner of Randalls Jewellery on George Street, and member of the BID steering group, said: “I see this as a fantastic opportunity for retailers and businesses in Altrincham to take control of how our town is managed and marketed and drive forward positive change."

For more information about the BID project and fill in online visit www.altrinchamforward.co.uk, or call 0161 912 1599.