It comes after Daventry Democratic Traders (DDT) confirmed it has received 97 signatures on a petition set up to force the Daventry Town Centre Partnership (TCP) to hold a reballot.

The Bid was set up by the TCP to make improvements to town centre and means traders have to pay an extra two per cent on top of their business rates.

However, many businesses have criticised the way the consultation and ballot was organised by the TCP.

Ian Maddan, owner of Daventry Dry Cleaners and member of the DDT, said: “We have currently got 97 signatures who have signed up against the Bid.

“There are a lot of shops in Daventry that are supporting us.”

Mr Maddan added he is not scared by the threat of legal action to those who have not paid the Bid levy.

He added: “We will still not be paying this Bid levy and we will go to court if we have to and are confident that we have a strong legal position.

“All we are asking is for Daventry TCP to organise a reballot.

“If everyone then votes for the Bid, we would then be more than happy to pay the bid levy.”