SEVEN hundred businesses in Newton Abbot are to be asked to sign up to a project that could fend off competition from the likes of Exeter and Plymouth by pumping £1 million into improvements for shoppers.

The town centre partnership and Sally Henley, the town development manager, are keen to establish a Business Improvement District, or Bid.

The area would cover all the main shopping streets and extend to Balls Corner in the north, along The Avenue and Station Road to Courtenay Park, then along East Street and Wolborough Street.

Traders will be canvassed on the idea and if a majority agree all would pay a levy equivalent to 1.5 per cent of their business rates, the money collected by Teignbridge Council but passed straight back again.

Small shops and offices would contribute £75 a year, bigger stores in prime locations such as Marks & Spencer in Courtenay Street as much as £3,000.

FULL STORY IN OUR ONLINE EDITION