UNCERTAINTY is surrounding the future of Boston's Business Improvement District (BID) following the organisation's AGM.

Around 100 people attended the meeting held at the White Hart Hotel during which several heated exchanges took place between the BID board and local businesses who felt the scheme had let them down.

The limited company, Boston BID Limited came into being following a ballot held in October 2008, with the aim of making the town a better place for visitors, residents and workers.

As a result, all businesses within the BID district are required to pay an annual levy of one per cent of the business' rateable value.

During exchanges at the meeting one business owner told the BID board: "We want to disband you, that is why we are at this meeting, how do we go about it because we cannot afford it."

Founder director Martin Puttick from Lincolnshire Cooperative Funeral Directors said: "There is clearly animosity towards the BID and it troubles me because I have gone into this as a representative of Lincolnshire Cooperative for the benefit of Boston.

"It was mooted to have a show of hands of who is in favour of the BID and I am sorry we have let you down."

Three-quarters of those present then raised their hands against the BID.

In light of the feelings of some members at the meeting, the decision on the next step falls to Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce who hold all the voting rights of the company, being the only category C shareholders.

Chief executive Simon Beardsley was asked whether the Chamber would be prepared to have another vote on the BID.

Mr Beardsley said: "That may well be an option we will consider. What you all wanted at the start was for an organisation to pool resources and make Boston a better place for people to visit."

After the meeting Mr Beardsley said it was vital to gain the views of all BID members before deciding the next step and that they should realise what was at stake.

"If it is then clear that the majority of businesses are not for taking this forward then we will go from there but it is important that all businesses involved understand the situation," he added.

Queries were also raised about the accounts with the person who had prepared them unable to attend the meeting.

Mr Beardsley said steps had been take to reassure people after the meeting.

In a statement he said: "Nicholsons were asked by Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) to attend the meeting as cover for their internal accountant who prepared the accounts and who was on holiday.

"During the meeting a series of questions were asked by members about the company accounts made up to 31 March 2010.

"Subsequent to the meeting Nicholsons suggested to the newly elected chair of the company that a formal and external review of the company accounts could be carried out to review the points and issues raised at the meeting.

"Nicholsons were formally instructed to perform this review and a provisional report will be forwarded to the board before their meeting on July 20."

Following the discussions at the meeting existing BID chairman Dennis Bambridge stood down from the vote to appoint new business directors for the year, saying he believed it was not what people in the room wanted.

Mr Bambridge also informed members that if they voted the BID out they would lose the Town Rangers, which were introduced last year to help tackle low level crime and antisocial behaviour.

Some members then accused Mr Bambridge of 'scaremongering' while others felt the Rangers didn't give them value for money.

Elaine Smithdale from Naomi Rose on South Street said: "We have never seen a Town Ranger as far down as where our shop is."

Some businesses present did speak in support of the BID, including Alan Ellis of Harmony Music in West Street who was standing as a candidate for business director.

Mr Ellis said: "I have had to use the rangers twice. On one occasion offenders got away with a guitar worth around £500 and the rangers got it back.

"I stood because I do not agree with some of the members on the board. I want to alter the BID."

Steve Goulder, became the new BID chairman for the year and Iwona Lebiedowicz, Paul Sharp, Alan Ellis, Andres Maude and Jenny Brewster were elected as business directors.

Feedback on the BID should be sent to BID manager Niall Armstrong via email at niall.armstrong@lincs-chamber.co.uk