Plans to create a Business Improvement District in Dundee city centre have run into opposition, with independent traders questioning the merits of the venture.
BID consultant Neil Cooney defended the scheme, however, and appealed to critics to reserve judgment until they study the business plan which is about to be distributed.
The Dundee BID, covering the commercial hub inside Marketgait, aims to work in partnership to help the city centre fulfil its potential.
The objectives are to make it a pleasant place for employment, trade and tourism; and be vibrant, safe, clean and lively with a real pride of place.
Businesses have to vote to create the BID and provide financial support in annual fees based on rateable values.
The promised return for that investment will be a range of projects and initiatives that will improve the environment and create better conditions for their businesses to thrive.
The Dundee BID has been overwhelmingly backed in principle by the DD One action group and by the city council, and is now at the crucial stage of a ballot of up to 442 constituent businesses to decide its creation.
A simple majority of a minimum 25% turnout is needed to launch the BID, but Graham Meade of jewellers Robertson & Watt and tea and coffee merchant Allan Braithwaite are minded to vote against.
Mr Meade said: “I think it will cost us money and I’m not at all clear what we are getting in return.
“I calculate that our business will have to pay £600 a year for five years whether we vote for it or not for a few balloons to be put up.
“They’re talking about our money going to moving drug addicts and beggars off the street, but is that not the job of the council and the police?
“We are already paying for public services through our rates, so why are we being asked to pay twice?”
Mr Braithwaite added: “I’ve not seen anything concrete about the benefits of the BID and am concerned about the costs being imposed on independent traders who may be struggling to stay afloat.
“We already have a terrific system of city ambassadors who greet visitors and help the police to deal with issues, so why are we needing and paying for this extra service?”
Mr Cooney said there was considerable misinformation about the BID project and its objectives, and he would welcome the opportunity to discuss these with critics.
“Copies of the business plan are to be distributed with the ballot papers, and I urge all voting businesses to read it fully before making up their minds,” he said.
“There are a growing number of BIDs all over the UK delivering real benefits, and Dundee city centre is being offered the same opportunity to improve its overall environment.
“The creation of the BID is covered by legislation and it also has to be approved by the Scottish Government.
“Contributions are on a rateable value scale reflecting the size of the business. There will be a particular focus on helping independent traders based on priorities identified in our consultation.
“Important points are that BID initiatives must enhance and not duplicate services already provided by public bodies,” he added.
“Projects agreed with partners at the outset must remain for the five-year term of the BID and can’t be reduced or removed in the event of the partner a council having to cut its budget.”