Doubts surround the future of Bingley’s town centre management after it emerged that no decision has been made on whether to replace the current manager who is about to retire.

Town centre manager David Dinsey, 66, is due to end his 14-year role in the town at the end of May, but no confirmation has yet been given about any replacement.

Mr Dinsey, who will officially leave on Tuesday, May 31, said: “I would hope to be replaced. I have been told the town centre management structure will stay the same, but obviously until they make a decision on it, I don’t know.

“But I would like to see continuity for the town because I hold the town very dear, as you can imagine, having worked here for so long.”

Mr Dinsey said he would like to see the town’s footfall increase to mirror that of Skipton, and believes the Sainsbury’s development has the potential to see that happen.

Jamie Illingworth, president of Bingley Chamber of Trade, said: “I think it’s vital that we have a town centre manager. I would be very concerned if he wasn’t replaced.”

Andy Taylor, Bradford Council’s economic development programmes manager, said: “David has been a great servant to Bingley during some very exciting times for the town, including the opening of the relief road, improvements to the town square and the construction of the 5Rise retail development. We are continuing to assess the impact of the reductions in the Council’s budget and no decision on this position has yet been taken.

“Whatever the outcome, supporting our town centres and making them attractive for visitors and residents remains a priority for the Council.”

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