MORE improvements are in the pipeline as Winchester’s Business Improvement District celebrates its first birthday.

Since its launch last spring, it has removed half a million pieces of chewing gum from the city’s streets.

It has also boosted security by funding two extra police community support officers to patrol the retail district.

Membership of the Pubwatch and Shopwatch schemes has grown during the past 12 months as well.

The BID is also investing around £200,000 on festive lights, the first of which were installed last Christmas. It has also provided extra floral displays for the summer months.

BID marketing manager, Ges Potter, said: “The BID has made a real difference to the city in its first year with many projects to improve the visual appeal and security of the city.

“This is just the beginning though and there is much planned for this year with the emphasis now on promoting business in Winchester.”

The agenda includes producing a retail map for visitors, which pinpoints some of Winchester’s hidden treasures.

A media campaign to attract more shoppers to the city is also planned, and could be linked to events such as the Hampshire Food Festival this summer.

The BID is funded by a top-up from around 800 Winchester companies to their business rates. It is expected to deliver £2m of improvement by 2013.