‘Resounding No’ — Hornchurch Retailers Reject BID Scheme

Retailers across Hornchurch have voted comprehensively to reject plans to introduce a Business Improvement District, delivering a clear message that they do not want the scheme brought into the town centre.

The ballot for the proposed Hornchurch Town Centre BID has now been returned, with the majority of businesses voting against the proposal. Plans were sent to all eligible retailers, giving them the opportunity to vote for a system similar to the one currently in place in Romford. However, in Hornchurch, businesses voted a resounding no.

As part of the statutory process, the Council held a ballot of eligible local businesses, which closed on Thursday 12 March. The final result saw 45 businesses vote against, compared to 38 in favour.

The BID proposal had aimed to strengthen Hornchurch’s town centre economy, support local traders and enhance the area’s overall vitality as part of wider regeneration plans across the borough.

Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Lead for Development and Regeneration, said:

“We respect the outcome of the Hornchurch Town Centre BID ballot, but we are disappointed that the proposal was not supported by the majority of local businesses.

“The Council is always willing to support initiatives to strengthen the town centre, support traders, and help Hornchurch thrive, and we remain committed to working with the community to explore other ways of achieving these goals.”

Stay up to date with all of our latest updates and content by following us on our social media accounts!

We have created community pages where we will share our up-to-date stories happening in the area. Add the area closest to where you live.