A £6-million masterplan for Lincoln city centre will go ahead after business leaders voted to keep the group behind the blueprints.

Park-and-ride schemes, a blitz on street drinking and a crackdown on food left out for pigeons are included in the manifesto drawn up by the Lincoln Business Improvement Group.

Bosses from the city's Business Improvement District gave a resounding vote in favour of keeping Lincoln BIG with 78 per cent saying yes.

Out of 467 votes polled, 365 businesses voted yes to continuing with the group with 97 saying no and five spoilt papers.

Lincoln BIG, which was established in 2005, will now remain in place until 2015.

The organisation has been responsible for developing activities in the city centre including the popular ice rink, roller rink, farmers' markets and a Punch and Judy fair.

Street wardens, PCSOs patrolling the city centre and a car share scheme have also been promoted and supported by Lincoln BIG.

They are also involved in the rescue plan for Lincoln's uphill tourist information centre.

And chief executive Matt Corrigan said last night's result was a "tremendous mandate" from the city's businesses to allow the group to continue.

"We have got a big task ahead," said Mr Corrigan.

"We have set out our stall in terms of improving the city centre and this yes vote is a chance for us to continue to make a difference."