Town centre managers Kingstonfirst have set out their stall for the next five years.

They launched their bid yesterday at the Rose Theatre to retain the reins in Kingston for the third iteration of the town’s business improvement district.

The company claims success in saving cash through recycling and crime initiatives over the last 10 years, including a radio network linking shops to help them share information.

But it has come under fire in other areas, including the regeneration of the ancient market place.

Town centre businesses have to vote whether to continue with the BID, funded by a 1 percent levy on business rates.

Last time around, in 2009 they said yes, with 263 yes votes from a 40 percent turnout.

Chief executive Ros Morgan said Kingstonfirst would invest more than £8m if business rate payers opted for another five year term, taking them up to 2019.

Voting will take place from Thursday, May 29, to Thursday, June 26, with the result announced the next day. 

Are you a town centre business? What would you like to see included in the latest BID? How have Kingstonfirst done for the past four years? Let us know at newsdesk@surreycomet.co.uk or call 020 8744 4244.