THE new head of Durham’s Business Improvement District (Bid) has pledged to work to make the city a better place to do business.

Adam Deathe started as the Bid’s business engagement manager two weeks ago, having previously been a regeneration officer at South Tyneside Council.

He said: “We all have the same vision – we want to see Durham succeed.

“I want to do that through increasing visitors to the city, making it a better place to do business and attracting inward investment.”

The Bid was launched in March last year to boost business in the city centre.

It has been criticised for being too quiet over recent months and was plunged into crisis with the exit of manager Sonali Craddock and resignation of board chairman Richard Toynbee.

Mr Deathe said he wanted to move forward rather than dwell on the past and there would be a programme of events taking place throughout next year.

Critics also claim the Bid is dominated by Durham County Council and Durham University, excluding some private firms.

But Mr Deathe said the board had a good mix and the private sector had played a key role.

He also said he would be seeking to speak to businesses once Christmas, the busiest season for retailers, is over and invited them to get in touch.

“I am delighted to have joined the Durham Bid and become part of a passionate team working to ensure that the Bid becomes a first port of call for the city’s businesses and galvanise the Bid’s supporters, of which we know there are many already.”

Mr Deathe said he wanted Durham to be a bustling city every day, to ensure retailers can respond to trends and support the city’s service sector.

The Bid was set up following a ballot of businesses across the peninsula, Elvet, Claypath and North Road. A vote on whether to continue it for another five years will be held in three years’ time.

Mr Deathe said by then he wanted businesses to feel they had got something from the Bid and to have increased footfall in the city.

Following last weekend’s (December 5-7) Christmas Festival, further activity is planned for this weekend (December 13-14).

There will be live entertainment around the city centre each day from noon to 3pm. For further details, visit christmasindurham.co.uk