A cafe and restaurant owner has become the new chairman of Morecambe BID.
David Waddington has taken over as chair of the BID (Business Improvement District), a group set up to champion and support Morecambe town centre businesses.
Mr Waddington owns MiaItalia pizza and pasta restaurant in Morecambe town centre, and miogelato cafe which has outlets in Morecambe and Lancaster.
He replaces Ruth Wilkinson, who has decided to step down from the role as BID chairperson after more than three years.
"I would like to to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Ruth on her time and considerable achievements, as chairperson of Morecambe BID," said Mr Waddington.
"Having worked with Ruth on the committee for a while now, I am full of admiration for her energy, drive, ideas and the commitment she has brought to the role these past few years.
"Morecambe BID has achieved a great deal under her leadership and I am excited and committed to taking on the challenge of continuing that great work.
"I am passionate about the success of Morecambe, it’s people, communities and businesses - and look forward to championing the town far and wide in the coming years."
Ms Wilkinson, who owns The Consult Centre social media agency in Morecambe, said: "I've loved the role and it's been a massive honour.
She is pictured below with John O'Neill, Morecambe BID manager, and Mr Waddington.
"It is a voluntary role and it's quite an investment of your time, and, as with anything, I believe it's a duty not to stay in a role like this too long, to keep it fresh.
"I've worked with a brilliant committee and I think we have made some really big improvements to Morecambe.
"David, with his two businesses in the town, is really committed to Morecambe.
"As someone working in retail and hospitality, he has a unique view on what the town needs, and is in a great position to help keep increasing our visitors and our footfall.
"I know he will do a super job."
Mr Waddington worked for Lancaster and Morecambe Newspapers before setting up MiaItalia, initially in Bolton-le-Sands, with his wife Katy.
The restaurant relocated to Queen Street in Morecambe in 2022, after nine years in the village.
His miogelato cafe, selling Italian ice cream or gelato, is just across the road from MiaItalia.
Another miogelato opened on New Street in Lancaster in 2024.
Under Ms Wilkinson's leadership, Morecambe BID milestones included the Safe Morecambe programme developed in partnership with Morecambe Police, supporting events including Vintage By The Sea and Baylight, introducing food markets, implementing interactive Playtechnics on the Promenade, providing grants to businesses, and the Illumination Cones brightening the promenade during winter months.
Morecambe BID is a private company that spends money raised from a levy paid by local businesses, on improvements to a specific area of the town centre.
Each business within the Morecambe BID zone in the town centre, pays 1.5 per cent of their rateable value into a funding pot once a year.
You can hear more from David Waddington when he is the guest on our weekly news show, Beyond the Headlines, on Beyond Radio on Friday from 10am to 2pm.
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