‘ECSTASY’ – that was the feeling after a decisive vote to invest £7million in Bournemouth.

The money will go on improving high street shopping, bringing in more tourists – and generating new jobs.

There will now be ‘town rangers’ to patrol the streets, more public festivals, and better marketing.

The money will be paid out by local businesses. They voted in favour of creating two Business Improvement Districts (BIDS), which will raise and spend the money on their behalf.

The results were announced at noon to delight and relief at the BIC yesterday. Des Simmons from Bourne Coast, chair of the Coastal BID steering group, inset, said: “I am absolutely ecstatic. This is just the starting block and there are exciting times ahead.”

Andy Woodland, head of the hotels group trade group BAHA, said: “It’s a boost for jobs especially – if hotel trade goes up by five per cent that’s 200-300 more jobs.”

Nigel Hedges, chair of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade, said: “Shoppers will now get better signs so everyone knows where they are going.

“This BID has really brought everyone together as ‘Team Bournemouth’.”

The Town Centre BID has a £4m budget over five years. The highest profile scheme will be a team of rangers in bright jackets who would patrol the streets.

A similar team in Rugby has been credited with a 50 per cent cut on shoplifting. Other plans include £500,000 on better signs and access. The Coastal BID will focus on attracting visitors during the spring and autumn seasons with a £1.12m advertising campaign. There would also be town-wide public events.

Council leader John Beesley said: “This will all be in addition to what the council does.”