THE team behind Wimborne’s Business Improvement District (BID) has welcomed a vote to renew its mandate to promote the town until 2021.

Sixty-one per cent of eligible traders voted to endorse the BID for a second term after it published its Renewal Business Plan.

BID chair Ian Faulkner said: “We are pleased and proud that the businesses of Wimborne have shown their support for the BID and for the Renewal Business Plan.

“By working together with other groups, such as East Dorset District Council, Wimborne Minster Town Council and Wimborne Minster Chamber of Trade and Commerce, we can keep Wimborne the envy of other towns in the area.

“After the past two months waiting for the ballot results, we can start work in earnest again, with a clear and strong mandate for our plans.”

Wimborne was one of the first BIDs in Dorset. BIDs see local businesses charged a levy which is used to promote and improve commercial areas.

The renewal plan includes £130,000 for marketing and advertising, £51,000 for events £77,000 for a modern internet platform and business support and £61,500 for administration.

The BID will ring-fence £23,500 for spending on Riverside Business Park – 70 per cent of what the park’s levy-payers contribute.

Upcoming events include Wimbornedon – which will turn the town square into a family-friendly tennis zone, with a bar showing the matches, from June 28 to July 10. On July 16-17, the town hosts Wimborne History Festival, a weekend of events in historic settings.

On July 31, the town will attempt to break the record for the longest line of books ever assembled – aiming for 3km (1.86 miles).

“We’re trying to source 15,000 books to put in a line around Wimborne,” said Mr Faulkner.

He said work to deliver the renewal plan would begin this week.

The ballot on the renewal saw a turnout of 62 per cent, up from 54 per cent five years ago. The 61 per cent backing was up from 54 per cent in 2011.

When weighted by the value of the voters’ levy, the result was 72 per cent in favour, up from 58 per cent.

Mr Faulkner said: “I think the side of the turnout and the size of the vote gives us a mandate that says the town has spoken and wants what’s in the business plan.

“I think what we’ve got is a very strong endorsement from the majority.”