I know I am not renowned for my patience in waiting for things to happen, but am I the only person I wonder, that would like to know what happened to the idea of a Business Improvement District for Helston.

I know I have developed a slight eyesight problem but I do not think I have missed reading any statement released about a Helston BID. I would be interested to know how far proceedings have gone and if there is any update on a decision. I do not recall Falmouth and Camborne taking this long to decide on what was in the best interests for their respective towns, and subsequently implementing the ideas.

Helston employed a person I believe, specifically for the purpose of putting a BID application together. The employment was funded by some of the section 106 money gifted to the town by Sainsbury's and Tesco’s.

Personally, I disagree with the concept of paying an employee, for what I believe is now months on end, without having first ascertained by way of a vote, exactly how many businesses if any, would like Helston to become a Business Improvement District. There is plenty of information freely available from many sources, about Business Improvement Districts, which I think could help business owners decide whether or not a BID would be best for them, and only they can make that decision. I do not believe the ongoing expense of an employee is needed prior to a decision being made as to whether or not Helston even wants BID status.

Out of approximately £800,000 original section 106 money, there is only now approximately £230,000 residue left with which to spend on a substantial public realm project, such as the enhancement of the Monument area. It does make one wonder if there should have been more of the section 106 money used, with which to implement more than just one of the designs suggested for improvement within the town centre.

At the end of the approximate £800,000 I do wonder what exactly will there be to show for it? 

Gill Zella Martin,
Mullion