IT is perhaps not a huge surprise that some town centre traders are reluctant to cough-up to the Keighley Business Improvement District (BID) pot.

When the scheme was first mooted, it quickly became clear that the idea of paying an extra levy on top of business rates would not necessarily go down well with everyone.

And that is precisely the situation we are faced with.

In a ballot, 79 per cent of businesses agreed to the setting-up of the BID.

That leaves about a fifth you can presume were not in favour.

Those behind the initiative say it will generate £1.4 million over five years and bring massive benefits to the whole town centre.

Some traders feel they are not reaping any advantages so far.

But we need to give the venture a chance.

It is extremely early days and we are promised much more as the programme develops.

Surely, withholding the levy is not the answer.

Less money going into the kitty will only serve to restrict what can be achieved, to the detriment of everyone – including the payment defaulter!

Lobbying those co-ordinating the project and putting forward constructive ideas for inclusion of all must be a better and more helpful way forward.