BUSINESS leaders in central Birkenhead are being consulted on plans for a scheme which would help shape regeneration in the town.

Wirral Chamber of Commerce's Business Improvement District (BID) is described as a 'one-of-a-kind opportunity' for businesses to join together and invest in the future of the town by providing resources needed to deliver a variety of projects aimed at making a real difference.

The initiative, a partnership with local businesses and Wirral Council, was unveiled by Wirral Chamber of Commerce during an event at The Lauries Centre in Birkenhead.

Representatives from more than 50 businesses in the town attended the session. Wirral Chamber of Commerce outlined its BID intentions and released a consultation questionnaire.

There are more than 200 Business Improvement Districts in towns and cities across the UK. Liverpool has two, with the oldest established in 2005, and Chester and Southport have recently approved the creation of a BID.

Paula Basnett, chief executive of Wirral Chamber of Commerce said: "It is important that the Chamber works closely in partnership with the key players for the BID, namely the businesses in Birkenhead.

"Through this initiative it will give the opportunity for them to make the key decisions about what should be done to improve the area, we will be happy to work with them to support their ideas and help move this scheme forward."

Following the consultation Wirral Chamber of Commerce will produce a BID business plan which will detail aims and objectives with businesses then given the opportunity to vote later in the year on the creation of a Birkenhead BID.

For more details, or to complete the consultation questionnaire, visit www.birkenheadbid.co.uk