Shipley MP Chris Leslie has received a formal apology from a Highways Agency chief after he was misled about a scheme to install ornate lamp posts in Bingley.

Highways Agency director Kevin Lasbury has had to backtrack after the agency's agents, Halcrow, wrongly informed Mr Leslie and others that the work would start this month and be completed in March.

Mr Leslie reported the news to the Town Centre Partnership, prompting Philip Smith, chairman of the Better Bingley Campaign, who has campaigned on the issue for several years, to draw up a display in his shop in Park Street.

A spokesman for the Highways Agency said: "Mr Leslie was misinformed by Halcrow and a letter of apology has been sent by the director of the Highways Agency, Kevin Lasbury.

"The situation is that a scheme for new street lighting is being looked at for Bingley. It was felt that with the relief road about to start it was sensible to look at that and the impact on the town centre with Bradford Council.

"Bingley is just one of a number of towns centres being looked at, including Selby, and some of them are still being finalised. Some street lighting columns have been ordered in preparation for these schemes going ahead. It's not Halcrow's decision.

"The agents have to act on the Highway Agency's instructions. They mistakenly believed it was going to go ahead though there is nothing to say it won't go ahead ultimately.

"Any lamp posts that we have ordered will be used on other schemes and this is not to prejudice the outcome of the Bingley scheme. It's a matter of timing, providing that's what they want.

"The Council has got plans for Bingley on the drawing board and is working these up; we have a small contribution to make. We apologise if anyone has been misled and hopefully this will set the record straight."

Mr Leslie said: "I think it was an administrative mix-up. It makes sense that we don't spend now and rip it up in a matter of months. I think it is unfortunate but people will understand it."

Mr Smith said: "When I heard about it I thought it was absolutely fantastic. I had given up hoping of anything happening. However, I suppose it would be a bit foolish to put in new lamp posts in view of the redesign of Main Street.

"It's disappointing though. They would have given a lift to the town. I think lamp posts would have brought back more of a feeling of nostalgia.''

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