A LONG-TIME business owner wants to "bring some life" to a Bradford district town centre.

Claire Wilkinson, who has run Redheadz salon in Shipley for 25 years, has an idea for a huge building currently on sale.

Last week, the Telegraph & Argus reported J D Wetherspoon had placed its pub, The Sir Norman Rae, on the market.

The Market Square boozer has served the people of Shipley for years.

However, Mrs Wilkinson thinks its next purpose could benefit the community in a different way.

Her idea would be to see several businesses - ranging from salons to coffee shops to bars - occupy the building.

"With the current cost of living crisis, I think it would be a good idea for businesses to team together," she explained.

"You could divide the overheads between however many businesses were in that unit.

"You will then have a team of people to liaise with so you are not on your own.

"Businesses would grow with the extra footfall and more jobs on offer in Shipley.

"I think it would be amazing. It would help everybody."

The Sir Norman Rae, which will remain open until its sale, is one of 11 pubs around the UK that JD Wetherspoon is trying to sell.

BRE and Savills have been jointly appointed by the business to handle the sale of a new portfolio of public houses.

The news comes amid the closure of several businesses in Shipley in recent months.

Wharf Street's The Waterside Restaurant and Bar and The Shuttle Fabric Shop, on Otley Road, are two independent examples.

Meanwhile, Wilko closed at the back end of 2022 - before the company collapsed this summer.

Mrs Wilkinson spoke of how she has witnessed the town centre change over the last 25 years.

"I have seen a lot come and go. It has massively changed," the salon owner said.

"It is about time we changed the dynamic of how we think, stop being precious, and start sharing a little bit more.

"We could provide something in Shipley all under one roof.

"There is no purpose for someone coming to Shipley. You could really bring some life to the centre of Shipley."

Mrs Wilkinson says she is currently liaising with other local businesses to see who would be interested in joining the potential venture.