Haworth is one of the Bradford district’s gems, famous the world over as the home of the Bronte sisters and, as such, a huge tourist draw.

You can see why – Haworth is the sort of picturesque, chocolate box village which the visitors who travel from Japan and the United States to see speaks of pure Englishness.

Anyone who visited Haworth over Christmas would undoubtedly have thrilled at the festive atmosphere that was almost palpable on the cobbled streets – like a Victorian Christmas card come to life.

It is that atmosphere which draws people from across the globe to this little community, and it is why everything must be done to preserve the charm of Haworth while still catering for the village as both a working community and a major tourist destination.

Much has already been done, of course – the Parsonage, home to the Bronte sisters, is a fantastic tourist destination, and there are some marvellous shops, cafes and pubs in the village centre.

But the old schoolroom is in dire need of repair, and Haworth Parish Church is still forging on with its campaign to raise £1.25 million for essential works to maintain this historic building.

Now, Haworth’s shopkeepers are being invited to submit their own ideas for how to improve the appearance of the retail businesses along Main Street.

With a little joined-up thinking – perhaps finding a way to more easily link the centre with the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, for example – Haworth can continue to develop as a tourist destination and truly become the jewel in West Yorkshire’s crown it deserves to be.