THE majority of business owners in Hexham who took part in a consultation about the future of the town's controversial Business Improvement District have voted to end the initiative.

Northumberland County Council made the results public on Tuesday afternoon, almost a week after the consultation process ended.

The results reveal that 74.4 per cent of levy payers did not respond, while 22 per cent voted to terminate the BID arrangements, 2.3 per cent voted to maintain and alter the BID and just 1.3 per cent wanted to see it retained in its current form.

The consultation also sought views about how Hexham can be improved in the future and the authority confirmed "a wide range of views were expressed".

These are said to include a series of concerns about the BID arrangements but also demand from businesses for a range of improvements to the area.

After nominations were invited from the existing BID membership for new directors, the council confirmed that three new directors had also been appointed.

They are Cameron Jamieson, owner of The Laundry Gallery; Hannah Swann, store manager at Beales; and Jason Robinson-Gay, owner of the Robinson-Gay Furniture Company and Art Gallery.

Coun. Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for economic growth at the council had also offered his nomination, however, it was withdrawn after local business representatives came forward.

"The consultation feedback has been important and I would urge anyone who has not responded to attend the public meeting on Monday night," said Coun. Wearmouth.

"Ultimately, the future of the BID has always been for local businesses to determine, and with a new board in place this can now happen."

The meeting at the Beaumont Hotel on Beaumont Street will open at 5pm on Monday for a 5.30pm start.

Those who wish to attend are asked to register at www.northumberland.gov.uk/hexhambid so plans can be put in place to accommodate levy payers.