“Exciting times” are in store for Ilford town centre after bosses voted to renew their Business Improvement District (BID) for another five years, its manager said.

Redbridge Council announced on Friday (November 16) that the Ilford BID – a non-profit which delivers services and projects for businesses in the town centre - will continue for a third five-year term until 2024.

Fourty-four percent of the 396 businesses that have signed up to the BID turned out to vote, of which 85pc voted in favour of its continued existence.

“Thank you to all of the businesses that have helped us to build an ambitious business plan and have also taken the time to vote in the ballot,” said Ben Collins, the BID’s manager.

“The BID will help to ensure that we capitalise on the opportunities ahead of us.”

The BID’s catchment area covers High Road and Cranbrook Road and it is funded by a levy paid by businesses who have signed up.