Bradford MP David Ward headed to Idle for its High Street “health check”.

The Bradford East Liberal Democrat MP spoke to local businesses in the village about how they are coping in the economic climate.

He gathered their views on Government policy and discussed issues such as employment, training, taxes and parking.

He said: “Today offered a mixed picture of how businesses are doing. There are welcome signs in the housing market but there are still issues for first-time buyers.

“The health check is an opportunity for me to find out how businesses are coping, and what the Government can do to help them grow. What was surprising was that the businesses seem to be remarkably resilient.”