CHIPPENHAM'S Business Improvement District (BID) has appointed Ben Gregory as its deputy chair.

Mr Gregory, a director at Digiprint in the town, will be working closely alongside BID chair Melody Thompson, who is director of 24-7 Staffing.

Both stood in the town council elections two years ago for their own party, Chippenham Champions, and Mrs Thompson was elected but has since joined the Conservative Party.

Mr Gregory said: “I’m delighted to be offered the position and have been involved with obtaining a BID for Chippenham town centre since the beginning.

“Having worked with the Bath BID and experienced the fantastic work and benefits to the local economy there, it was essential that Chippenham got similar investment for quality town promotions and events.

“I feel Chippenham is on the verge of some very exciting developments and as we are the largest town in Wiltshire outside of Swindon, Chippenham is set for continued growth and investment. The BID will of course be dedicated to enhancing the current high street offer for residents and visitors and I am excited to be involved with the future projects.”

BID manager Carolyn Brownell said: “Ben’s appointment is important as Ben has considerable experience and represents the all-important independent retail sector.

"The board is representative of the business community in Chippenham including national, local government and police. With the board in place we can push on and start to ramp up delivery of the BID initiatives. I encourage all levy payers to engage with the BID. The success of the BID will be the success of Chippenham and its business community.”