David, who was on the Parliamentary committee that brought in the legislation to make BIDs possible, said, "For two years I chaired the national steering committee which supported the country's first 20 or so pilot schemes for business improvement districts.

"Across the country I have seen how successful they have been in helping businesses- especially small businesses - thrive and making areas more attractive to shoppers and residents. That's because they are based on a real partnership between the business community and the council but led by business people who work out what is needed in an area.”

David added, "I hope retailers and other business people in other parts of Brighton such as London Road will take a close look at the Lanes and North Laine and consider whether BIDs could help them."