A Bingley shopping precinct in need of an overhaul has come under fire from a local MP.

Myrtle Walk is "decayed and shabby", Shipley MP Chris Leslie says.

Despite four years of talks with leaseholders Fordgate and promises of a multi-million pound refurbishment, the vital redevelopment is no further forward.

Mr Leslie accused Fordgate of failing to act and letting down shoppers and retailers.

He said: "Fordgate were promising action more than four years ago with their outline planning application. Other supermarket applications were turned down on the grounds that this scheme was supposedly in prospect. Despite the Council being strung along with promises ever since, nothing has materialised."

Two years ago, Mr Leslie sent a letter to Fordgate, challenging them to get on with promised improvements. In December 2000, they replied that revised plans would be ready "within the first quarter of 2001".

Mr Leslie said: "I believe that the time has come for other developers to be given the chance to regenerate Bingley and bring modern retail facilities to the town. Other developers are snapping at the heels of Fordgate and are looking not only at the former Cattle Market site on Keighley Road but also at Myrtle Walk.

"Myrtle Walk is too important for Bingley to be neglected. The place is looking decayed and shabby, open to the elements and pigeons. It needs enclosing, reflooring, redecorating to achieve a mall-type environment like Keighley's Airedale Centre." Shoppers at Myrtle Walk agreed. Vera Downey, of Micklethwaite, said: "We have been waiting for a revamp but it just never comes. This place is cheerless."

Pensioner Jack Higgins, who lives five minutes from the centre, said: "Bingley is always left out."

David Restall, owner of Dave's Bargain Centre, has traded in the precinct for 18 years. He said: "I pay almost £20,000 rent a year and it is a disgrace. A third of the precinct is empty and there are no public toilets."

But Fordgate, which hopes to create a larger supermarket with car park and just a few shop units on the site, today blamed the apparent lack of action on food retailers.

Paul Gale, property director, said: "We have planning consent for a food store and are still in talks with Safeway which has a small shop in the precinct, and Tesco for a 45,000 sq ft shop. That is what the town wants.

"It makes no sense to have the property sitting there dwindling, so although people don't see anything happening, there is lots going on in the background. But we need vacant possession to develop it and a decision from a food retailer to go ahead. We must also consider cost implications."

Pauline Wood, President of Bingley Chamber of Trade, thinks the precinct does not encourage shoppers to enter.

"There is nothing to keep you there, there have been no decorations or music over Christmas and the sales. I am very disappointed. Bingley needs some life putting into it."