The directors of a prominent local business group stepped down last Monday night to allow a new group of businesses to ‘take the town forward’.

Largs BID has also faced much criticism from a significant section of the town’s businesses.

Following a vote involving local businesses over five years ago, the Largs BID was launched, where businesses paid an annual rate depending on the rateable value of their premises towards the new initiative.

It is now hoped that new businesspeople will come forward to steer the new ‘Super BID’ which will bring a number of big players to the table including transport operators and major organisations.

However, a group of 80 businesses signed a petition calling for a probe into the running of the Largs BID which resulted in two independent investigations being carried out last summer and resulted in the directors being cleared of any wrongdoing. 

However, the validity of these investigations have been called into question by critics of the BID.

The petitioners argued that the investigation was a failure as the complainers were not involved beyond a preliminary meeting.

Phil Prentice, Chief Officer of Scotland Towns Partnership, the national agency supporting Towns and Business Improvement Districts, said, “Explore Largs has probably been the most successful destination BID in the country.

“National TV adverts, radio campaigns, social and print media campaigns, events and festivals such as Yuletide, Largs Food and Drink, Largs Live and the Largs Classic Car together with tourism leaflet campaigns and sponsorship generated have all helped put Largs back on the map as a firm family favourite.”

He continued: “Tens of thousands of visitors came to enjoy the events. I have to congratulate these local businesses for stepping up to the plate at a time when our town centres are facing unprecedented challenges.”

Cllr Gallagher, the portfolio holder for the Economy at North Ayrshire Council said: “The council recognises the work achieved by Explore Largs and is fully supportive of the super BID proposals. Largs is a fantastic town with lots of unique businesses and opportunities, the council will assist the next steering group to develop some ambitious plans for the town.”

The next BID will look to engage more partners to support the efforts of the small businesses - the likes of the Big Lottery, EDF Energy, Calmac, Scotrail, Visit Scotland and others.

Products and services that demonstrate real value to all the businesses in the town will be delivered by connecting more with local residents and building bigger partnerships.

Phil added: “Moving forward we are looking for local businesses to engage and become members of the new steering group. Interested parties can contact Claire Meal on clairemeal@gmail.com to find out more or to volunteer to be part of the next Explore Largs.”

Councillor Tom Marshall, who was a director of the BID, said: “I am disappointed that BID 1 has run out of time for the ballot process for BID 2 but it looks as if, with many multi national companies willing to support a new BID, I am sure that it will build on previous successes that BID 1 had.”

Councillor Ian Murdoch said: “I am very pleased that the board are standing down to make way for a new steering group to push forward the formation of a new board to manage a BID 2, if a yes vote can be achieved.

“I am concerned that there has been so much bad feeling created in the local business community with opposing views as to how the BID was managed, I think we should draw a line under it and move forward with a complete new direction. I would like to see a BID 2 achieve all the things that BID 1 could and should have achieved, and hopefully so much more.”

Businessman John Corrigan, who organised last year’s petition of the businesses, said: “I believe the vote for the new ballot is being delayed until next year which will let the dust settle, and it is important that most of the town centre businesses get involved in the new BID. You can’t be critical and not get involved. I did get involved in the BID and wanted to make sure that things were done correctly, but I believe that this wasn’t the case.

“Major issues in the town such as parking have still not been addressed by the BID, councillors or MPs.

“Our objection was last April, so this should have happened a long time ago, as it now looks like a year has been wasted. A year can be devastating without doing anything. In relation to the reviews, it should have been dealt with properly by the council last year, but they only took our initial evidence, and didn’t come to us to look for the opinions of the people doing the objecting.”

However, Cllr. Marshall said it was time for the sniping to end, and said: “All these directors who are resigning have suffered personal attacks for in essence giving of their time freely to try and boost the profile of Largs. 

“The footfall in Largs has increased by 5 or 6 per cent while there has been a declining foot fall in other seaside towns.

“The BID has had a positive effect, maybe not for every business, but generally it has been good for Largs.”