Plans for a new levy to help grow tourism in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area have faltered after a ballot was declared void by government.

The BCP Accommodation BID – or business improvement district – was intended to secure funding for marketing, events and placemaking initiatives in the area.

But the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has thrown out the ballot due to an administrative error.

This is because a small number of eligible businesses were inadvertently omitted from the list provided by BCP Council, preventing them from participating in the vote.

Rosie Radwell, Bournemouth hotelier and chair of the ABID, said: “We’re deeply disappointed by the outcome, as the ABID initiative was developed to address the challenges facing our tourism industry and secure a prosperous future for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as a leading UK destination.

“While this is disappointing, we respect the ministry’s findings and will work to address the challenges ahead.

“We’re grateful to all the businesses and stakeholders who supported the ABID and provided valuable insights throughout this process.

“Tourism is essential to our local economy, and we remain committed to exploring new ways to protect and grow this important sector.

“The ABID board will now reflect on the outcome and engage with stakeholders to determine the best way forward.”

• bcpabid.co.uk