More than 250 court summons have been issued to Isle of Wight businesses which have failed to pay their Wight BID Levy on time this year, it has been revealed.

Figures show that, in this BID year to date, a total of 266 summons have been sent out by the Isle of Wight Council.

The BID year runs from November 1 to October 31.

Visit Isle of Wight uses the funding to deliver marketing activities to promote the Island to visitors.

If the levy is not paid, court summons are issued by the council, on behalf of the tourism body.

Of the 266 summons sent out this year, there are still 68 accounts with outstanding balances to pay.

During the same period last year 277 summons were issued for BIDS.

Although this year's figure is down when compared to last year, the council expects further summons to be issued in November and December.

Based on the numbers, it said it appears it will be roughly around the same figure as last year.

The BID Levy is payable in one installment. If the bill is not paid, businesses will be sent a reminder notice requiring payment within seven days. 

If the reminder balance is not paid, a Magistrates' Court summons is issued and incurs additional costs of £81.

The council says if the balance is paid in full before the hearing, including the summons costs, no further action will be taken.