BUSINESSES will have their last chance to vote on a scheme aimed to reinvigorate Weston town centre.

If successful, the Weston Business Improvement District (BID) scheme would offer a range of projects which scheme bosses say would improve the resort’s centre.

Among those proposed are a dedicated security and cleaning service that would patrol the town centre and respond to calls from businesses, and improved marketing and promotion of the town as a shopping and leisure destination.

Empty shops would be used as display and exhibition spaces, while it is hoped major events and Christmas celebrations could be held in the town centre.

The scheme would be paid for by businesses, who would pay a small percentage of their business rates towards it.

Firms in the town centre have until Wednesday to register their votes in the postal ballot.

For the scheme to succeed there has to be a positive vote by both number and rateable value.

The BID area covers 700 businesses and scheme organisers say it will allow them to have a real influence over the way the town is run and managed.

In recent weeks North Somerset Council, Weston Town Council and Dolphin Square developer McLaren Life have given their backing to the scheme, while the Mercury has also voted in favour.

Town centre manager and BID co-ordinator Steve Townsend said: “We are urging everyone who has a business in the BID area to get behind this scheme to give Weston the chance to be a strong and successful destination again.

“The alternative is a continuing spiral of decline which is a sad prospect for a resort that once rivalled the best in the UK.”

The results of the vote will be known by early March.