Fears are mounting that Bingley could be left without a supermarket while a multi-million pound shopping precinct is built.

A decision on whether to allow the £11m refurbishment of Myrtle Walk shopping precinct is expected to be made by Bradford councillors next month.

Developers Donaldsons plan to partially demolish and rebuild it, increasing the size and adding a 622-space car park.

But concern is growing about what will happen to the existing Safeway supermarket if the plans are approved. It is thought the company is unlikely to stay, given its opposition to multi-storey car parking which it claims customers dislike.

Safeway instead favours a move to the nearby former Auction Mart site in Keighley Road but no firm date for that has been made. No replacement supermarket for the precinct has been announced.

Councillors are worried that the disruption caused by the precinct development will mean Bingley could be left without a supermarket for a considerable time.

Coun Jim Flood said: "The big unanswered questions are what will people do for the two to three years of development?

"But I also trust that the developer will provide alternative shopping facilities during the development phase.

"Obviously, I recognise the long-term benefit to Bingley of this development and residents will have to put up with some short-term inconvenience - but to do without any kind of supermarket may be too high a price to pay."

Richard Young, managing director of Donaldsons, said: "We understand the delays but hope that a positive decision will be made on March 4. We are anticipating good news."

A spokesman for Safeways said: "It is a very difficult decision - we have been there since 1972 but we have to think of our competitiveness and I don't think we would want to compromise on that."

T&A Opinion

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