TRADERS are being asked to help fund a new £1.5million scheme aimed at creating a better business environment in Ilford.

The money will be used to create a Business Improvement District (BID) - giving nearly 500 firms the power to invest in local services by contributing to a levy.

Councillor Peter Goody, Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration said: “The establishment of a BID in Ilford will mean that businesses, shoppers and residents will all feel the benefits to the town centre.

“The fact that businesses have voted to support the BID during the recession shows their commitment to Ilford and the improvements they wish to make.”

Among the demands made by the businesses involved are extra policing, more street cleaning, improved landscaping and extra CCTV coverage.

A council spokesman said: “Redbridge Council will work with the borough’s BID team to establish a neighbourhood management group which will deal with the town’s problems quickly and efficiently.

“The Ilford BID follows in the successful footsteps of Hainault Business Park which established a BID in 2006. Since then, the area has seen various new landscaping projects completed, extra security and CCTV and improved signage.”