The project will see some firms pay a levy of 1% of their business rate to the Business Improvement Group, which is made up of various organisations.

The scheme is going ahead after nearly 80% of businesses that were balloted voted in its favour.

Lincoln is the first in the region to adopt the project, with only 22 other initiatives throughout the UK.

This will enable us to carry out some exciting initiatives in the city centre in the next five years Mike Roberts, Lincoln City Council

Money from the five-year project in Lincoln will help improve street management and help develop marketing and events.

City centre manager Matt Corrigan said: "This is an important decision for Lincoln and we are delighted with the support that businesses and other agencies have given us.

"The challenge is now for us to deliver the planned improvements in a way that benefits everyone in the city centre."

City council officer Mike Roberts said: "Those who voted gave a very firm 'yes', which means Lincoln can now go forward as the only Business Improvement Group in the whole of the East Midlands.