BLACKBURN businesses are being asked to a series of breakfast events by the town’s BID (Business Improvement District) team to give their views on how to improve the central retail area.

The steering group want traders to tell them what changes could bring an increase in customers.

Among the issues the BID team want to discuss are the bus station, erosion of the town’s heritage and filling empty shops.

In November last year, businesses voted ‘yes’ to the BID proposal, including a one per cent levy in addition to their rates to generate a pot of £1.5 million to help regenerate the town.

Mark Smith, of Exchange Coffee and Fresh Approach In, who chairs the steering committee, said when traders pay their levy they will have questions about what they are getting for their money.

He said: “We’re inviting traders to find out more about how the Blackburn BID is generating finance, delivering expertise and creating partnerships which will generate new visitors and more business opportunities.

“So that they can find out what’s going on, we’ve arranged a programme of fortnightly networking events to share BID ideas over a free breakfast with members of the council, experts and speakers.”

The events start on Thursday, February 13 and run fortnightly at Liz ‘n’ Lil’s on Northgate, previously the Grapes Pub. Breakfast will be served from 7.30am, with a 20-minute presentation at 8am.