THE Duke of Westminster is backing a scheme in which businesses pay a levy to target crime, vandalism and litter in the city centre.

If retailers and other outlets support the initiative then Chester could form a Business Improvement District (BID) to fund additional 'policing', environmental improvements and a marketing campaign.

The idea is to make Chester a more attractive place for visitors and residents against a backdrop of increased competition from other areas.

The launch of a major consultation exercise is taking place on July 5 at Chester Cathedral where city centre business people can hear key note speeches from Boots The Chemist and an existing BID scheme in Coventry.

Sue Haslam, who chairs Chester BID steering group said: 'Chester has got unique attractions in addition to its retailing and what we need to do is ensure the standards in Chester are such that we are able to increase our market share.'

They could include:

Dedicated community support officers to provide a greater uniformed presence

Support to address homelessness and begging

A rapid response team to deal with cleanliness issues

Enhanced portable public toilet provision for big events like race days

Continuous marketing and consultation with BID contributors

If the BID goes ahead, companies would pay 1% of the rateable value of their business on top of their existing Business Rate making the cost proportionate to the size of venture. The money would be collected by the city council but only used on schemes set up by the contributors.

The first stage is to assess whether there is a ground-swell of opinion in favour of setting up a BID.

If that support is forthcoming, a postal vote will take place next spring.

City centre businesses are invited to attend the launch meeting in the refectory at Chester Cathedral on Tuesday July 5 from 6.30pm.