A CONTROVERSIAL scheme to promote business in Abingdon could soon come to an end as traders are given an ultimatum over its future.

A letter has been sent out to those who are part of the Business Improvement District, known as Abingdon BID, stating levy payers must come forward to help run the project by the end of the month or Vale of White Horse District Council will be asked to close the project.

It follows months of tension between organiser and traders, who pay 1.75 per cent of their rateable income into a ring-fenced fund for the scheme, which is aimed at improving facilities and increasing footfall in the town centre.

Abingdon BID was plagued with accusations of a lack of transparency over how funds collected from businesses were being spent.

Things reached a head in February, when BID manager Julie Downing resigned her position and was removed as a listed director on companies house.

Interim BID advisory board chairman, Mel Inness, at the same time called for a financial review of the scheme by Vale of White Horse District Council.

Though this found no evidence of wrong-doing, there has been growing support to end the BID two years early.

More than a hundred frustrated traders signed a petition last month calling for be released from their financial commitment to the scheme.

Bryan Brown, who is currently listed as a BID director with Paul Holt, said: "We received the petition and decided this was the best thing to do.

"Me and Paul aren't levy payers and we got involved at the start to held the BID get going but haven't been involved in the running for some time."

He added: "I think it is a great sadness that it is closing but if people don't think it is a good thing then that is their decision and it is for levy payers to decide."

He said he was not sure how soon the project could be closed but they were consulting with the Vale.

A Vale spokeswoman confirmed they were aware of the consultation process with businesses, adding: "They have sent letters to all levy payers who have until end of month to respond to the BID company.

"There is then a formal process to follow in closure of the BID. As a council we await the outcome of the BID consultation before we take any next steps."