Retailers, firms and businesses in Falkirk town centre had until May 8 to vote on the new initiative which will include marketing campaigns, chewing gum removal from local streets and which will see the return of the successful taxi marshal scheme.

And the decision to back the project, which will introduce an extra charge of one per cent on to business rates, was almost unanimous.

Alastair Mitchell, town centre manager, said: "The pilot BID has already delivered a number of projects that have benefited local businesses.

"This comprehensive yes vote provides us with the resources to implement the range of projects and services detailed in the business plan which was developed following extensive consultation with the local business community.

"Falkirk is already known as one of Scotland's best performing retail centres, and I believe that the BID will build on this.

"We are on the cusp of plans being laid to regenerate the town centre and the BID will be an integral part of this process."

Alastair thanked the business community for voting, plus the BID steering group, Central Scotland Police, Falkirk Council and BID co-ordinator Linda Worsfold for their help.

A total of 38.5 per cent of eligible businesses voted, representing 54 per cent of the rateable value, well above the 25 per cent turnout threshold.

Of those who voted 70.4 per cent voted in favour of the BID, making up 62 per cent of the rateable value.

Linton Smith, BID steering group chairman and owner of GW Smith Cycles, said: "It is always nice to get a successful outcome, but to get such re-sounding success is great. The prospect of what the BID offers is huge."

The scheme comes intoforce on June 2 and work now starts on organising nominations for the BID board and setting up the BID company.

Businesses are invited to nominate themselves for a position on the BID management group.

Suzanne Arkinson, member of the BID steering group, and general manager of The Mall Howgate, said: "The BID is about businesses taking ownership of things they believe to be important to them.

"We are very pleased by the result. Anything that brings people in to the town centre and makes them stay longer is good."

Having announced the government's ongoing support for BIDs in February, John Swinney, cabinet secretary for finance and sustainable growth, said: "Having seen first-hand how BID pilots have worked, I very much welcome the 'yes' vote in Falkirk."

Ian Davison Porter, project director for Business Improvement Districts Scotland, also praised Alastair and his team for their "outstanding level of work".