Companies based in a town centre have joined together in to create a Business Improvement District to help invest £1.8million in the area.

Firms in Harrow Town centre voted to create the district (BID) on Friday, spending the money on improving the town centre to encourage more people to visit the area with events and promotions over the next five years.

Store manager of Debenhams Harrow Gary Stevenson was chairman of the group which helped set up the BID.

He said: “I am very pleased with the result which will enable us to build on the recent investment in St Ann’s Road and programme of events that have brought more people to the town centre.”

The cash will come from companies with a rateable value of more than £30,000 who will pay a levy of 1.5 per cent on their business rates. Decisions on spending will be made by a board of directors to represent all the business involved.

Cabinet member for business of Harrow Borough Council Kamaljit Chana said: “It is fantastic that Harrow’s businesses have come together and showed their commitment to improving our town centre and they will now be hugely involved in shaping its future.

“The BID will be a further boost for the area, meaning more money can be invested in making it an even better and brighter place for both visitors and businesses.”

The new district has been welcomed by the Labour opposition on the council.

Cllr Sue Anderson said: “I am delighted that businesses in Harrow town centre have voted to make the area a Business Improvement District.

“This fund the businesses have created will make the well-used town centre even more appealing for local residents to use securing much needed jobs and long-term security to local businesses.

“The Labour group would like to pass on their congratulations to all those that have worked tirelessly to make this happen, it’s a great example of local businesses and residents working well with the council to the benefit of everyone living in Harrow.”