AMBITIOUS plans to revive Paisley have taken a step forward after a proposal to make the town centre a Business Improvement District (BID) were voted through.
More than 81 per cent of businesses polled voted in favour of the proposal put forward by the Paisley First organisation.
The new town centre BID, which will see firms collectively investing in schemes to improve the area and pay a compulsory levy, will cover around 676 businesses across an area stretching from the University of West of Scotland to Paisley Grammar School.
That makes it the third largest BID in Scotland, behind only Edinburgh and Aberdeen, of the 25 already up and running.
Former MEP Hugh McMahon, chair of the Paisley First Steering Group, said: "This successful outcome has come about due to a co-operative effort by the steering group, the local authority, the Scottish Government and the local MP and MSPs.
"As our steering group will now resign, I issue a challenge to Paisley businesses to get involved in the work of the new board and find suitable candidates to take our work forward.
"I would particularly appeal to young entrepreneurs and business people to come forward with their ideas for a prosperous future for Paisley."
Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said: "The new body will be able to provide a strong voice for the local business community."
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