EDWARD Baliszewski has been elected chairman of Westlea Housing Association Board of Management.

Mr Baliszewski joined the board five years ago as an independent member, working alongside elected tenant members and North Wiltshire district councillors.

Westlea Housing Association, which is based in Chippenham, owns and manages about 6,000 homes in Wiltshire and Bristol and is developing a range of projects.

Mr Baliszewski is managing director of Marlborough-based London Facilities Ltd, which specialises in the provision of commercial finance, asset management and telecommunications

He said: "I am pleased to be serving as chairman at what is a really exciting time for Westlea."

He succeeds, Daphne Wheeler, who was chairman for four years.