THE decision by businesses in Newport to vote in favour of a scheme that will put them in charge of the city centre's future is great news.

Some 88 per cent of businesses who voted in the Business Improvement District ballot backed plans that will see Newport Now swing into action next April.

The new organisation will have a five-year remit to introduce schemes already identified as must-haves by city centre traders large and small.

Funded largely by a one per cent levy on the rates of all businesses in the BID area, Newport Now will become the third BID in Wales after Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil.

This newspaper has been a long-time supporter of a BID for the city centre and we are delighted to have played a part in bringing it to fruition.

Some will point to a turnout of 23 per cent as evidence of low support for the BID. But those opposed to the idea had the opportunity during the month-long ballot to vote 'no'. They didn't.

There are around 200 BIDs around the UK and most are hugely successful with some, including Swansea, now into their second five-year term.

Newport Now will invest around £1 million in the city centre during the next five years, bringing in schemes including uniformed street ambassadors, taxi marshals, a series of city centre events, better car parking offers, and a customer loyalty scheme.

Make no mistake, the BID is great news for Newport and its businesses.