THE former editor of the South Wales Argus has been appointed the new manager of Newport Now Business Improvement District (BID).

Kevin Ward, who served as editor from 2012 to 2016, has been contracted by Newport Now via his company Kevin Ward Media Ltd.

Mr Ward will be employed for three days a week to manage the BID and will also provide public relations services to the organisation.

Mr Ward, who said he is "passionate" about the BID, said: “I was instrumental in establishing a BID in Newport during my time at the Argus, having been involved in a similar project in Worcester, and I have been a member of its Welcome to Newport committee.

“The BID has made huge progress over the last year under Adrian Evans’ management and the direction of its board.

“My aim is to build on that success, raise the profile of the BID so it is seen as the go-to organisation for city centre issues, and prepare the organisation for a successful renewal ballot in 2020.

“My initial priorities are to meet as many BID members as possible, to establish a quarterly surgery for BID members, and to prepare for our next big event – Record Store Day on April, 22.”

Newport Now chairman Alan Edwards said: “Although Newport Now are sad to see the departure of Adrian Evans, who is to return to his previous career as a biology teacher, we are excited to have been able to secure the services of Kevin Ward Media.

“Kevin has worked with the BID from the first exploratory meeting of city centre businesses in January 2013, and was instrumental in persuading me, when I was President of the Chamber Trade, that a BID was the way forward for the city centre.”