A local businessman has stepped aside from a top tennis association amid an investigation into the historic handling of a sexual assault allegation against a coach.

Senior partner at Harpenden company Hicks and Co, Martin Corrie, has temporarily stepped aside from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) presidency after around a year in the position.

The LTA is conducting an investigation into how a disciplinary committee handled a 2004 sexual assault accusation, while Martin was on the executive committee.

Martin explained the case concerns a Herts county LTA coach sanctioned by the disciplinary committee at the time, who faced a fresh complaint in December.

He said: “As we are all aware, upholding the highest standards in dealing with safeguarding matters is important to the whole of British tennis.

“Therefore, in agreement with the board of the LTA, I believe it is right for me to step aside from my presidency during the course of this investigation. I would not wish my presence in this significant public role to become a distraction from the very good work the LTA is currently doing in the safeguarding arena.”

Since the fresh complaint the LTA has conducted an internal review and are now carrying out a further independent investigation.

David Rawlinson is now acting president in Martin’s place.

LTA chairman David Gregson said: “It’s essential that we move quickly as an organisation if or when a safeguarding issue is raised.

“The LTA has robust governance processes in place today to ensure that impartial investigations are undertaken into all such cases.”

LTA chief executive, Scott Lloyd, added: “I want to emphasise that nothing is more important to us at the LTA than the safety and security of the children and young people who play tennis in Britain.

“I am personally committed to creating an environment where effective, consistent and timely safeguarding decisions can be made. The implementation of a comprehensive new action plan is well underway which I believe will help put British tennis at the forefront of safeguarding in sport.”

Martin joined the LTA Council in 2003, representing Herts.