BUSINESSES left devastated by last year’s Drummond Mill fire have handed over a 2,000-signature petition asking for more support and help from Bradford Council.

The Lumb Lane Business Group, which represents shops, restaurants and other businesses in the Manningham road, handed the petition to Councillor Sarfraz Nazir (Lab, Manningham).

They are asking for more parking provision in Lumb Lane, possible widening of the road, and support for the businesses, many of which have struggled since the blaze which completely destroyed Drummond Mill in January 2016.

Majid Khan, from Haji & Son cloth house, said the community had been devastated, with “loss of trade, pollution, debris and congestion on roads”.

He said: “Any new development on the Drummond Mill site would be welcomed but it must address the fundamental issue of the lack of parking.

“The site could play a role in addressing the parking requirements for local businesses, and any development needs to support and be considerate towards parking issues in Lumb Lane.”

The group is also asking for improved street lighting and greenery.

Dr Zulfi Ali, owner of the Sweet Centre restaurant in Lumb Lane, said: “We are all struggling following the fire and need help from the Council.

“The road is deteriorating and we need more help and parking provision for these businesses to survive and grow. We are finding survival very difficult.

“The main issue for us is parking, the road needs widening so there can be more parking spaces. Even though it is sad the mill is gone, there is now space to widen the road.”

Councillor Nazir attended a meeting with the group, where he accepted the petition on behalf of Bradford Council.

He said: “We will follow the due process with all petitions handed in, and we need to look into it in detail.

“In terms of Manningham, it’s very important we support local businesses. It’s a difficult market, and those working in the area and providing jobs, we should work alongside them to support them.”

The Lumb Lane Business Group successfully petitioned Bradford Council in 2013, raising concerns over prostitution and drug use in the area. By working with the Council and police the area has been cleaned up and crime levels reduced.