THE chairman of Winchester Business Improvement District has resigned after the organisation won a second term.

Jeremy France stepped down after five years as chairman, with vice chairman Ken Macartney, of Pavilion Clothing, The Square, assuming the role.

Mr France, who will remain on the BID board, said: “Congratulations to Winchester for voting the BID in for another five years. It shows the understanding of the amount of work completed to make the city cleaner, greener, safer and better promoted.

“I have really enjoyed my chairmanship of the BID over the past five years, but now feel this is an ideal opportunity to hand over the reins to my good friend Ken Macartney. “The board trusts that he will lead them for an even more successful further five years. I will, of course, still remain as a board member while I have a business in Winchester as this puts me in a position to suggest new ways forward to make the city bigger and better."

Mr Macartney, who was voted in by the board, added he was excited to take on the new role.

He said: “I am delighted that the BID has been successful in its re-election for the second term and having been involved since the start of the first term I am very encouraged with the progress seen. I am ready to work with the board and the BID team to evolve the impact the BID is having upon the local economy."

The BID will start its new five-year term in April 2013 and is focusing on crime reduction, waste and recycling and promoting businesses.