Voting has started on the controversial proposals for a Business Improvement District in Rye.
Around 290 of the town's shops, pubs, restaurants and businesses are being balloted on a new levy which could raise over £90,000 for town centre upgrades and tourist promotion each year.
The postal vote began on Tuesday 13 January and runs until Thursday 12 February, with the result announced the following day.
The proposals have created a divided high street with some businesses saying the BID is the only way to improve Rye town centre in the face of local government cutbacks.
Opponents say a BID is unnecessary, another financial commitment in a tough economic climate, and a tax they will be forced to pay even if they disagree.
The charges that qualifying businesses would be made to pay over five years, if the plans go ahead, are based on each firm’s rateable value.
The postal ballot is being organised by Civica who provide election services for Rother District Council. The returning officer is RDC's chief executive, Lorna Ford.
For the BID to be approved the ballot has to be won by both a majority of yes votes and a majority of the businesses rateable values.
If approved, Rye BID would come into force in April this year and run for five years.
