BUSINESSES in Winchester are being sent CD ROMS telling them all about the benefits of the area becoming a Business Improvement District (BID).

Winchester City Centre Partnership wants businesses to vote in favour of the BID, which for a small additional levy on business rates, will be able to fund a raft of improvements to the shopping environment of the city.

The specially-commissioned computer discs will be mailed to more than 800 addresses within the proposed BID area.

The CDs have been produced by Cine Wessex, which has manufactured 1,200 copies at its plant in Winnall.

City Centre Partnership chairman, Jeremy France, visited Cine Wessex during the production run, and said: "The City Centre Partnership is pleased that production technology exists within a local business and that the BID CDs can be produced right here in Winchester.

"It's so important that all businesses, regardless of size, can have the opportunity to read the partnership's proposals and get involved.

"By mailing every business affected by the BID, we hope managers and business leaders will do just that."

The BID proposals are also available at www.wincity.uk.

com/bid or from the offices of Winchester City Centre Partnership, on 01962 850390.