CLITHEROE'S business community has a new figurehead.

Ian Lloyd who hails from Whalley has become the president of the Clitheroe Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

The 57-year-old has taken over the reins from Nigel Pratt, owner of Clitheroe Travel in Castle Street, who headed the chamber for two years.

A packed audience of chamber members voted in the Mr Lloyd, a director of Mortimer’s Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents in Castle Street, at the 83rd annual general meeting of the chamber.

The father-of-three, who lives with his wife Ann in Whalley, has been a member of the chamber for more than 30 years.

He said: “Nigel has lead the chamber through a difficult period over the past twelve months and I thank him for his guidance and leadership over the last three years.

“The chamber has gone through one of the most turbulent times in recent years and we continue to work through the most difficult of trading conditions.”

The chamber has had a complete internal restructuring and now has a full executive committee.

Mr Lloyd said: “This is a great time to take stock, refresh our team spirit, dev-elop new strategies and for the chamber to be re-invigorated and rejuvenated.

“There are some brilliant ideas in the offing for the next twelve months and I do hope that all members of the chamber will join in and support where ever possible.”

Mr Lloyd has vowed to ensure Clitheroe is a popular North West shopping destination, however he admitted the times were tough for traders.

He said: “We are still trading in unprecedented times.”