Campaigners were out in force in Truro this week spreading the word about the city's proposed Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDS) which is set to inject £1 million into the community if it gets the go ahead.

Street meetings were held in the city centre at Lemon Quay and High Cross this week to help raise awareness of the benefits BIDS could bring to Truro.

Totally Truro, the not-for-profit limited company set up to lead the project, was out with its team of volunteer supporters who managed to engage with 200 business leaders in the city.

Mel Richardson, project co-ordinator for Totally Truro, said: "We've had a steady stream of people coming along to find out more about BIDS and what it means for Truro. Most people want to know what the money will be spent on and how it will affect their business.

"Another important issue people wanted to investigate is who will contribute? BIDS is a fair system and means that by law, businesses will be contributing to future improvements in the city."

A BID comes into effect if the majority of businesses (50 per cent or more) agree to pay one per cent of the rateable value of their commercial property.

The money, which could amount to £1 million over five years, will then be ring-fenced and used to pay for benefits and improvements for the city.

This week's street meetings offered an opportunity for business leaders to have their say about what they want for Truro in the future.

The information gathered will be put towards the Totally Truro BIDS business plan, on which voters can pledge their support for or against the scheme in July.

The BIDS scheme has so far received backing across the Truro business community, from independent retailers, multiple chain stores and large independent businesses.

Stuart Jenkins, general manager at the Plaza Cinema on Lemon Street, said: "We are big supporters of the BIDS scheme and what it will do for Truro. It will bring massive benefits to the city, including an improved Christmas lights display, which in turn will help us as a business."

Beverley Williams, commercial manager of store operations at Marks & Spencer on Lemon Quay, said: "M&S are keen supporters of Business Improvement District principle and are active participants in more than 20 locations across England and Wales. As long term contributions to town centre management projects, M&S recognises the value that can be released through this type of cross-sector team work. It's our hope that Truro becomes another location that benefits from a successful BID."

The final ballot takes place between the end of May and 5th July when all businesses will have the opportunity to vote.

Once agreed, all Truro non-domestic ratepayers within the City Centre with properties of a rateable value over £10,000 will contribute.

For more information on the Totally Truro BIDS scheme, go to www.totallytruro.co.uk.