LITTLE Germany has been taken back to the 1830s for the BBC drama Gentleman Jack.

Filming in the Bradford area has resumed this week for the eight-part series starring Suranne Jones.

And it is hoped the latest production will further enhance the city’s reputation as a top place to go for film and TV productions, bringing more benefits from spending by crews and fans.

David Wilson, of Bradford City of Film, said the city’s reputation was extending across the globe with Indian consular officials recent visitors, looking at the locations where the Bollywood movie Gold was filmed.

He said there was a lot of money spent behind the scenes, like technical visits and set building, and that its reputation is spreading around the world of drama production. He said: “You can add to that hotel nights. Often we will recommend film-friendly hotels. We do continue to engage with businesses.”

One of those hoping that the word spreads about the films and TV dramas made in Bradford is Sarojini Dunn, of Yo Yo Cafe Bar on Chapel Street, round the corner from the latest filming.

Mrs Dunn said the cafe got a regular stream of crew for coffees and breakfasts but that the loss of businesses from Little Germany and the rise of residential units had hit their trade.

“A lot of businesses have moved out, it’s just apartments and residents don’t use your facilities”, she said.

“We’ve been here 15 years and seen a decline but it is good that they are using old buildings.

“I can’t understand why they can’t tell people. In Hull they allowed us to look at filming of Victoria. Bradford could be the same. It is good for Bradford but every business is hoping for footfall.”

Mr Wilson said the City of Film office, the only one in Yorkshire, was doing a lot to publicise filming, particularly with the Bradford Film Heritage app which lists every movie and TV series filmed over the past 100 years and allows people to visit the locations featured.

He said: “It depends on the script. We don’t want to spoil the effect. With Gentleman Jack they have been very open to people looking at the set.

“Discretion is a big part of what we do. Once it goes on TV or in the cinema that’s when we shout about it.”