The long-awaited new area trade co-ordinator for the Spen Valley has been appointed with the task of revitalising the district.

David Adams, who will be based in Cleckheaton, previously ran his own enterprise and management development consultancy in Newcastle which involved advising businesses about expansion and staff training.

Mr Adams, 51, who is single, has been appointed by Spenborough Chamber of Trade and Commerce on a one to two year contract - with an annual salary of £21,000 - to turn its Spen Valley Heartbeat Project into reality.

Proposals include providing a major conference and exhibition centre, a tourist office in Cleckheaton, a museum charting the history of Spen and turning Spen into a central base for tourists visiting places like the Dales.

Mr Adams, who has worked with the Polish and Turkish governments and the European Community in Brussels, said: "My role is to act as a focal point to represent the people in the area.

"There are similarities between the Spen Valley and North East in that town centres have gone downhill because of the demise of shipyards and steel and, in the case of Spen, wool and textile mills.

"The Spen Valley has a wonderful communication network in the M62 to fulfil tourism needs and is midway between Scotland and London, making it a wonderful base for places like the Yorkshire Moors and opportunities for conference facilities."

He said it was vital for retailers, businesses and residents to be involved in regenerating Spen and working together to bring new jobs and investment.

"A lot of exciting things are going to happen in the next two years but first we need to formalise the chamber's vision into a plan of action," he said.

"My first task will be to get to know people in the area to help put this plan into operation to pull the Spen Valley into the future."

Keith Joplin, the chamber's vice-president, said: "People have to be reasonably patient to see the changes but they will happen and for the better."

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