Fun in the city proves big hit (From Worcester News)

Fun in the city proves big hit

4:10pm Monday 5th April 2010 in

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STREET rangers have taken to the city centre as part of a new business-funded idea to promote Worcester.

More than 650 firms in the city fund the BID (Business Improvement District), which launched on Saturday.

Two rangers wearing distinctive purple coats are part of the visible street presence aiming to help the city raise its commercial profile, guide visitors to the city and report on issues hurting city centre businesses.

Many shoppers were also amused by another of the BID’s projects – street entertainment.

The quirky Flying Buttresses duo walked the city centre streets, passing the time of day with bemused members of the public in a memorable performance of off-the-wall street theatre. Adrian Field, BID project manager, said the scheme was to give businesses a greater say on how the city centre is run, and draw more visitors in.

“We’ve got 20 or so projects we want to deliver over the next five years,” he said.

“That includes street entertainment and things which people are going to talk about and advertise this city.

“But we’re also a powerful lobby for the voice of city business, so we can approach insurers and utility companies about negotiating rates and overheads.”

The BID project also includes the new late-night taxi marshals scheme aimed at helping late-night revellers get home safely.