THE prevention of anti-social behaviour, damage to property and an increased police presence are at the top of a wish list compiled by businesses in Worcester city centre.

The removal of pigeon and seagull mess and litter from the city’s streets are also top priorities for traders who say they want to create a safer and more customer-friendly shopping experience.

The findings have come from a survey sent out to more than 750 businesses by the Worcester Business Improvement District (BID) steering group, which is looking at improving trading conditions in the heart of the city. BID is a government initiative that encourages independent companies to work together and take a hands-on role in regenerating their environments. Under the scheme, businesses each pay a levy and the firms themselves then choose how to spend the money.

VisitWorcester, the organisation responsible for city centre management, event and tourism, has secured a £50,000 grant from Worcester City Council to develop the first Worcester BID but unlike council business rates, the money generated stays within the BID area.

Worcester BID project manager Adrian Field said the business survey results are crucial in forming an idea of what projects are needed.

He said: “The early feedback which we are getting from early face-to-face meetings is that city centre businesses want more marketing, high quality street entertainment similar to Bath and Covent Garden, a large event in the city to attract more visitors locally and further afield, a new trade waste recycling scheme and better pedestrian signposting.

“The business community to whom I have spoken so far appreciate the fact that they can have a say and influence the types of projects they want to see boost their trade.

“We need to ensure that we get as many views as possible from businesses to ensure that the BID contains projects which they want delivered, that will help overcome their issues and which are over and above what local authorities ordinarily provide.”

Mr Field said a survey has also been sent out to 1,200 residents seeking their views on the city centre, while a series of street and sector meetings for business owners and managers are being organised in the coming weeks. Invitations are being sent out shortly.

Meanwhile, individual meetings with businesses are already under way.

For more information on Worcester BID, call Mr Field on 01905 722337.

Alternatively, send an e-mail to adrianfield@visitworcester.com.