GALASHIELS business owners are set to vote on a project which hopes to boost the town's economy.

Ballot papers for the Business Improvement District (BID) scheme will be issued in October.

The BID aims to continue improvements to Galashiels town centre.

It would involve firms being charged an additional levy on top of their normal business rates.

That cash would then be put towards projects in the town.

The ballot papers will be issued on October 9.

The outcome will determine whether the BID is to be established.

Debbie Paterson, co-chair of the project steering group, said: "It is essential that business owners who are eligible to vote do so, and we encourage everyone to vote yes if they want the work on improving Galashiels town centre to continue.

"This is a unique opportunity for businesses to take control of their town’s future and ensure the momentum we’ve built in enhancing Galashiels doesn’t stop."

BID for Galashiels will build on the foundations of the Build a Better Gala initiative, which has already contributed to various improvements in the town.

With an emphasis on partnership work, leading to sustainable improvement, BID for Galashiels will give the town’s businesses a strong voice and mandate in driving improvement for the town.

The deadline for returning completed ballots is 5pm on November 20.