Truro businesses are being asked to donate one per cent of the rateable value of their property into a pot for city improvements.

If a yes vote is obtained by July 5, then a start will be made in the autumn on a number of improvements which should see changes to two main areas of the centre.

Those behind the scheme, called BID (Business Improvement District) are taking to the streets of the city next week to find out what people want for the future.

Next Tuesday, and the following day, there will be two street meetings held as part of the consultation on a BID scheme on Lemon Quay and High Cross.

The unique scheme, which is supported by the city council, Truro Chamber of Commerce and Carrick council, is controversial and somewhat political, say those behind the plan but ultimately it would be good for the city and secure a brighter future.

A BIDS scheme in Truro will mean retailers and companies could control a substantial pot of money to benefit the city and its traders. If it is successful, more than £1 million will be available for improvements over five years.

Cash will be collected from the city's businesses dependent on the rateable value of their commercial property.

A not-for-profit limited company has already been formed - Totally Truro - to lead the process, along with a steering committee made up of local businesses.

Tony Welford, director of Totally Truro and a partner at Truro solicitors Stephens and Scown, said: "It's so important that business managers come along to these meetings to let us know what their hopes and dreams are for Truro.

"We have put together some exciting proposals about how to improve the city, exploring events, marketing, accessibility, safety and how to make Truro a more attractive place to work and live.

"We want businesses to take ownership of the city and what goes on here, because ultimately the projects that are on the table under the BIDS scheme will benefit everyone."

Five areas of improvement have also been highlighted as priority. A strong marketing campaign to promote Truro and a co-ordinated events programme designed to bring more visitors and create a more vibrant city centre is also paramount.

The scheme may even solve the annual funding issue of providing a decent festive light display at Christmas. But Mr Welford said any BID could only become a reality if the majority of businesses backed the scheme.

Once agreed, all Truro non-domestic ratepayers with properties of a rateable value over £10,000 will contribute, with businesses pledging one per cent of that value each year for five years.

The Totally Truro team is now putting together a business plan outlining how the money could be used but ultimately it will be up to businesses to decide which projects are priorities. Mel Richardson, Totally Truro BID officer, said: "We need feedback from businesses in Truro to make sure that we have the right list of projects before businesses are asked to vote between the end of May and July 5. A yes' vote will mean that great things could start happening on the ground as early as October 2007."