Town centre bosses are celebrating today (Thursday) after Weston-super-Mare Business Improvement District (BID) was renewed for five more years.

The BID is a collaborative initiative which requires firms to pay a levy into a central kitty to fund town improvements and new business initiatives.

It is managed by Weston Town Centre Partnership, which used the money in its first five-year term to implement street safety measures, shared crime-fighting technology and various promotional campaigns and events.

Weston’s business owners cast their votes during the past month, with the majority voting to renew the scheme, which will generate investment of £1.25million.

Paul Batts, chairman of the BID, said the outcome was ‘a positive result for the town’.

He added: “We can now continue the work we have undertaken as well as implement our new five-year business plan.

“The business-backed and business-led BID team are delighted to have the support of the town following the work we’ve delivered since 2012.

“The town is already improving and we look forward to building on the momentum of what we have started, and contributing to the significant growth of the town’s economy.

“The next few years are really important for the development of Weston, and we can now play our part in making Weston a great place to work and live.”

“Since April 2012, Weston BID has invested more than £1 million directly into the town centre and introduced a variety of initiatives and projects to enhance Weston’s profile and reputation to boost footfall and strengthen the local economy.”

For more on the renewal of the BID, pick up a copy of the Mercury next Thursday.