TOWN centre improvement organisation Bid4Bury has received a boost in the form of its first “volunteer” member.

Auntie Pam’s Sweet Shop falls below the �10,000 business rate threshold for compulsory membership of the Business Improvement District initiative which aims to develop Bury St Edmunds’ town centre economy.

But Sheila Barnard, who owns the specialist confectionery shop in The Traverse, approached Bid4Bury chief executive Mark Cordell to see if she could sign up anyway.

“I believe a Business Improvement District is vital to make Bury thrive and I could see the good work that Bid4Bury is doing to encourage people into the town,” she said.

Having joined on a voluntary basis, Auntie Pam’s will now pay the same as compulsory members, who have to contribute 1.75% of the rateable value of their premises.

The money raised pays for additional services including the provision of Street Rangers and promoting Bury as a place to visit and shop.

Mr Cordell said: “I was absolutely delighted when Sheila came to us asking to join and I hope that she will be first of several smaller businesses in the town to take advantage of the many benefits of membership.

“I made a pledge at Bid4Bury’s AGM that I wanted this to be an organisation that companies in the town would want to be part of, and hoped that some smaller firms would aspire to share those benefits too. If others would like to find out how joining Bid4Bury can help their business I’d be very happy to discuss it with them.”