Some inner-city areas of the USA have been transformed by an initiative, in which businesses vote for improvements which they pay for in an extra tax.

Now the concept may be introduced in England, with Eastbourne being among the first places to discuss Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

It's a good idea for down-at-heel areas plagued by crime and vandalism where major work is needed to bring back the punters.

These improvements can help them win back customers from out-of-town shopping malls, which are clean and secure.

But Eastbourne's commercial and shopping streets are generally in good condition without any no-go areas.

The resort, in line with most others in Sussex, does not have to face direct competition from any large shopping malls, such as Lakeside and Bluewater.

It's scarcely surprising that many businesses in Eastbourne resent the idea of having to pay another levy.

In some cases, the firms might do better to carry out improvements and marketing themselves rather than attempting them through an extra layer of bureaucracy.

BIDs will be a handy power to hold in reserve if any areas fall into steep decline.

But in Eastbourne, consultation is unlikely to find many members of the business community keen to go ahead with them soon.