BUSINESS leaders in Swindon are keeping a close eye on schemes that could give a huge shot in the arm to town centre rejuvenation.

At the moment there are trials going on around the country of Business Improve-ment Districts (BIDs).

In a BID businesses invest in the area through an extra levy in their rates bill the idea is that they will reap the benefits of an improved environment.

Among the 22 pilot projects around the country are Broadmead in Bristol, Reading, Bedford, Coventry and Hammersmith.

Businesses in each area identify the area they want to look at and the issues they want tackled and put together a plan. The businesses must vote in favour of a BID for it to be established.

Examples of the content of bids include better maintainance of streets, whether through cleaning or improvements, or removing graffiti.

Alternatively wardens could be brought in to help shoppers and make them feel more safe, or the money could fund extra CCTV cameras.

Chief executive of the Swindon Initiative Barry Lingard said: "We are not a pilot scheme but we can learn from those who are.

"Businesses in the area pay for a specific project, and it could be anything from removing graffiti to installing floral arrangements or baskets.

"Swindon is not backwards in coming forwards and so we are monitoring the pilots carefully."

The Swindon Initiative has restructured recently, and is keen to encourage more investment into the town.

Mr Lingard added: "My ambition is that Swindon will be the preferred choice for companies relocating. We are working to make it easier for businesses to come here, and also encourage business tourism.

"It would be wrong to call Swindon a tourist destination per se, but it's a good base for visiting tourist sites and we have the opportunity for 'business tourism' with conference meetings."