Traders have voted to continue with a town centre improvement scheme which they fund themselves.

One Maidstone, an organisation which looks to improve the economic conditions of Maidstone town centre, has been voted in for another five-year term, which will start in October.

Businesses in the town centre voted for the Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID) earlier this year.

The BID enables owners of non-residential premises within a specified area to vote on whether they wish to pay an extra levy – on top of their normal rates – to fund a local organisation which provides additional services.

One Maidstone BID chairman Ulric Allsebrook said: “We are delighted that the businesses in Maidstone have so overwhelmingly backed the work that the BID undertakes.

“It is a real testament to the buoyancy and dynamism of the town centre ecosystem, giving businesses the confidence to keep investing in the county town of Kent.”

Among services which are offered as part of the deal is 24/7 CCTV monitoring, ambassadors who patrol the town throughout the week helping the police and a radio system. But it is looking to introduce more projects in its new term.

The group hopes to lead on Best Bar None, the night-time economy accreditations, work with the council to deliver Safer Streets courses and engagement programmes, grow the Light Up Maidstone event, and continue to support the 326 Youth Hub in The Mall.

It will also start running projects across the river to include Lockmeadow in Barker Road.

Chief executive of the firm, Michelle Woodland, added: “All the team at One Maidstone are thrilled to be able to continue providing the projects and services established in our first term.

“To continue working closely with and on behalf of the businesses in our levy area, to collaborate with key partners for positive outcomes and the overall progression of the County Town.

“We are eager to start introducing additional projects and services in the new term based on feedback from our levy businesses, with the shared objective to keep Maidstone Town Centre safe, clean and, a destination of choice.”