Traders welcome cash plans

And three other priorities have been identified for a share of the £100,000 windfall - environmental and community schemes, projects for youngsters and highways and safety.

Proposals being considered include installing LED lights in the trees around Bingley town square, hanging floral baskets and installing planters throughout the town centre to complement the new street furniture.

The new street lighting columns along Main Street have been designed to support floral displays and Christmas lights.

Ward councillors Robin Owens, David Heseltine and Colin Gill, who are all Conservatives, will be consulting with Bingley Chamber of Trade, residents and traders over the next few weeks to make the most of the money for the town centre.

Robert Harrison, chairman of Bingley Chamber of Trade, said the news was "absolutely brilliant".

He said: "We spoke to the councillors about the difference between Christmas lights in Shipley and Keighley, which cost thousands of pounds, compared to the hundreds of pounds spent on Bingley's lights. The news is a surprise but is absolutely wonderful.

"Bingley is on the up. We really feel there is a buzz about the place."

Trader Kay Adams, of Bingley Business Watch, said: "We definitely need Christmas lights, it is really good news. We will have the wow factor in Bingley. If we can have some hanging baskets, it will look better. We can really go to town."

The announcement comes after 30 wards in the district were each allocated £100,000 and councillors representing those wards were asked to promote key projects in their communities.

Councillors were asked to nominate projects to improve facilities or services in their wards and can also use the money to secure match funding for projects.

The latest report presented to the Council's Executive earlier this month details 37 proposals, which added up to £727,000.

They included £22,000 for Hirst Wood Multi-Activity Community Area in Shipley.