Clean-up to attract city shoppers

M&S and John Lewis have joined the BID scheme

Shops and businesses in Liverpool are joining together to try to make the city centre safer and more attractive to shoppers.

Major companies like John Lewis, Marks and Spencer and Boots have agreed to spend millions of pounds to create a Business Improvement District (BID).

And more than eight out of 10 local businesses voted to join the scheme.

Businesses will spend about £3 million each year to pay for more street cleaning and security.

The Northwest Development Agency, Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce and Liverpool Vision are backing the scheme.

The clean-up is aimed at preparing the city centre for 2008, when Liverpool will be the European Capital of Culture.

The BID area covers Church Street and Lord Street, the Cavern Quarter, Queen Square, Clayton Square, Great Charlotte Street and Ranelagh Street.

Mike Storey, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "This is another important success for our city and city centre.

"It will mean that through the business levy, more money will be spent on providing a friendly, safe, vibrant and attractive city centre."