SMALL businesses in York's city centre want to see antisocial behaviour tackled but have voiced mixed views on how it should be paid for.

Business owners were speaking to The Press yesterday in response to plans for the introduction of a Business Improvement District scheme in the city centre, which will see all businesses within the designated area charged an extra one per cent on their rates, to be spent locally on improving the business environment.

The idea is being spearheaded by City Team York, a private sector body established in 2012, which believes that £750,000 a year could be raised.

After The Press revealed the plans city centre businesses have been reacting to the proposals.

Mick Way, partner of York Digital Image, which has operated out of Bridge Street for nine years, said: "We don't get much from what we pay in business rates at the moment; it's already not good value for money so I'd be reluctant to pay any more.

"If all the business across the UK had the pay the level of rates we pay they would struggle to survive.

"The biggest issue we face is parking, especially for out customers who can't get close enough to pick up large items from the shop, and we have lost custom through that."

Gary Romans, opened Art & Coffee House in Church Street, three months, he said: "One per cent would be a drop in the ocean so I'd be in favour of it. I'd like to see more control of city centre pedestrian zones, as its flouted a lot at the moment.

"We also have a problem with antisocial behaviour and drunks hassling people.

"Rates are high here, but if these problems could be solved then I'd be happy to pay an extra one per cent towards it."

Also agreeing that anti social behaviour is a problem in the city is Adele Procter, a director of Your Bike Shed in Micklegate.

She said: "We struggle as a result of anti social behaviour and drinkers where we are. I'd want to see more policing of that, but should I pay an extra one per cent for it, no, it should be done already.

"From 2pm onwards on a Saturday we might as well close down as the behaviour of drunk people in this street is appalling.

"It is hard enough to run a business when the rates we pay already aren't being spent to benefit us. Business rates aren't cheap and here in Micklegate we can't see what they are spent on."

Simon Newall, director Kudos hair and beauty in Goodramgate, also though the expense would be another burden to businesses.

He said: "Small businesses are what keep York going, and we've got a hard time as it is.

"We've got the auto enrolment pensions to try and fund out of our pockets, so to find an extra one per cent for rates will make a big difference for a lot of small businesses.

"We pay enough as it is, and there's already lots of empty shops around which shows how hard it is to do business in the city centre."

Businesses will be balloted on the Business Improvement District proposals in September next year, with a vote of 51 per cent in favour needed for it to go ahead.