BID Scheme for Heart of London

A new scheme to enhance London’s West End was backed by a vote by local businesses on 31 December. The Heart of London Scheme, which is the second to be implemented under Business Improvement District (BID) regulations, will aim to deliver safer and cleaner streets in an area stretching from Piccadilly Circus to Leicester Square and including Shaftesbury Avenue as far as Wardour Street. Under the scheme local businesses have agreed to pay a levy on the local business rate to continue funding the additional improvements to the area which have been provided under a three year pilot BID scheme. The scheme, which will provide additional services to those run by Westminster City Council, will become operational on 14 February 2005.