Ballot campaign boosted by Civic Society award

Hull Civic Society has honoured Hull Business Improvement District (BID) with one of its coveted “Looking Good” awards.

Malcolm Sharman, the Civic Society’s Good Mark Officer, presented the award for August to Kathryn Shillito, Hull BID City Centre Manager. He also made an individual award to Martin Foster, Hull BID’s maintenance operative, in recognition of his efforts in keeping the city centre clean and tidy and free of graffiti.

The award, which is usually bestowed to mark a particular conservation or restoration project, is in recognition of Hull BID’s general activities in helping to improve the city centre.

It also signifies Hull Civic Society’s support for Hull BID as the organisation approaches a second ballot of city centre businesses in an attempt to continue its work for another five-year term.

Voting papers for the second ballot will be sent out by the Electoral Reform Society (ERS) this month to businesses that are located within the geographical district and covered by Hull BID’s services. The businesses will have until Wednesday 14 September 2011 to cast their vote and the result will be announced by 5pm on Thursday 15 September.

“Hull BID has worked consistently to positively improve the quality of the city centre environment since its inception in 2006,” said Malcolm.

“BID is primarily concerned with the overall look of the street scene but there is much more to their work than simple cosmetics.”

Malcolm revealed the Civic Society’s citation which accompanies the award highlights BID’s efforts to improve safety and security in the city centre, its work to promote the evening economy, its organisation of events to attract people into the city centre and its support for other organisations.

“Hull Trinity Music Festival, the Hull Comedy Festival and the Sea Shanty Festival weekend are all sponsored in part by BID and add greatly to the cultural and economic life of the city,” said Malcolm.

“Hull BID initiatives have played a large part in creating a feeling of security and confidence that comes from being in a city centre which is obviously cared for and thus one which engenders a strong sense of civic pride.

“This award is for a job well done and for a provision that is vital to the commercial success of the city centre. Your work has not gone unappreciated – long may it continue.”

Kathryn Shillito said: “We hold Hull Civic Society in high regard for their work in promoting Hull and it is a real honour to receive one of their awards.

“We consulted closely with Malcolm and his colleagues over the proposals for the improvements to Paragon Square and we also help them with some funding to promote the Hull Civic Society Heritage Open Days, which next month will give people the chance to look behind the scenes at some of the city’s magnificent buildings.

“All concerned at Hull BID are very grateful to the Civic Society not just for the award but also for their ongoing support during the current ballot campaign.”