ALMOST 150 Hexham business owners are being taken to court for refusing to pay their share of a fund aimed at boosting the economic prospects of the town.

A total of 232 out of more than 600 registered businesses in the town took part in last year's Business Improvement District vote, with 66 per cent in favour of creating a BID.

The levy is based on the rateable value of premises and is expected to raise about £1m over the next four years, with firms contributing between £200 and £10,000.

But some claim they are yet to see any results from the scheme.

And Northumberland County Council has now issued summons to those that have refused to pay the charge.

Brewis Gair, who runs Eastwood Engineering on the Tyne Mills Industrial Estate, staged a kerb-side protest last year in an attempt to have the BID result overturned.

"I am not against Hexham. But the way I see it is that the Hexham BID is a private limited company," he explained.

"I have not requested any goods or services from Hexham BID and I have not received any goods or services from Hexham BID.

"Some of the things they are talking about introducing have been ongoing in the town for years.

"Most business owners pick up litter in their area and keep their part of the town clean.

"So, I am at a loss as to why there is an idea to try and force a levy on everyone."

Lani Noble, who runs Little Mexico on Market Street, said she had withheld payment because she was yet to see any results from the initiative.

"I know more people refusing to pay than have paid," she explained.

"Most of the things that have been talked about so far, like hanging baskets, more benches and cleaner bins, are all things I feel should already be provided by our council using our business rates."

BID manager Helen Grayshan said all of the projects being worked on had been identified as part of a business plan drawn up after a consultation with local traders.

"Some of the things identified may be basic ideas, but what we are trying to provide is a more professional service," she said.

"Something which will benefit everyone is a shared purchasing scheme so we can look at ways to bulk buy to save costs on things like telecoms or electricity.

"I understand some businesses may feel we haven't met the needs of their sector yet, but I would encourage them to come and talk to us."

The business owners have now been ordered to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on April 20.