HAIRDRESSING salon boss Shaun Hennessy has become the new chairman of Weymouth Town Centre Group.

He takes over from David Johnston, who has stood down because of work commitments.

Mr Hennessy, who runs Blondz hair dressing salon in St Edmund Street, said: "I want to instil pride into the minds of all town centre businesses and employees.

"That way we will be able to improve the overall appearance of our historic town centre, too long the poor relation to the harbour and seafront.

"I want to encourage pride in our shops, pride in our town and pride in our community.

"We will work to ensure every member and retailer understands the importance of showing the aforementioned pride, to help instil that pride in all employees, be they private or council.

"That's how we can improve our town centre and make it the much more appealing destination it should be."

Weymouth Town Centre Group is an autonomous part of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.

It was founded in 2000 by Mr Johnston, who is advertising promotion manager at the Dorset Echo.

George Afedakis, who is president of Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, said: "I greatly welcome Shaun Hennessy as the new chairman of the Town Centre Group.

"He has the vision and the energy to improve the hub of the town, which with 2012 fast approaching, will soon be on the world stage as visitor numbers increase in the run-up to the Olympics."

The Town Centre Group includes representatives from large and small retailers, as well as Dorset Police, borough council officers and councillors. It meets every month at Brewer's Quay.