THE man in charge of the long-awaited demolition of the old Bradford & Bingley headquarters in Bingley town centre has said his team is almost ready to start work.

Project manager Rob Kendon was speaking as artwork by Bingley school pupils was officially unveiled on hoardings around the site.

Children from Crossflatts Primary School, Eldwick Primary School, Myrtle Park Primary School, Lady Lane Park School, Priestthorpe Primary School, St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School and Trinity All Saints Church of England Primary School created 21 pieces which are now on display .

Retail giant Sainsbury’s, which owns the building, is on the brink of demolishing the former office block, which was earmarked as a possible supermarket site at one point.

The company recently opened a Local convenience store on Main Street, in Bingley, employing 25 people.

Project manager Mr Kendon said: "We are almost ready to start work to demolish the former Bradford & Bingley headquarters."

He added that he was "thrilled" to unveil the new artwork.

Mr Kendon said: "There are clearly some very talented young Hockneys in Bingley and these brilliantly unique images will help to make the hoardings more eye-catching."

The artwork is themed around living in Bingley, with many of the pieces featuring images of local landmarks such as the five-rise locks, Myrtle Park and the surrounding countryside.

Many also include depictions of the schools the children attend.

Hilary Craven, headteacher at Crossflatts Primary School, said: "We’re delighted to be involved in this community project and I know our children will be very impressed to see their work displayed in such a prominent position in Bingley."

Gill Wilson, the headteacher at Lady Lane Park School, added: "Bingley is such a beautiful little town and what a wonderful idea to invite the children of the town to supply some artwork to be shared and enjoyed by all.

"How proud they are of what they've done and what an acknowledgement that children are the citizens of the future."

Christina Gunning, headteacher at Priestthorpe Primary School, said pupils were proud to be part of such a historic moment.

"As a school we are always keen to get our children involved with local developments and environmental projects like this," she added.

The headteacher at Eldwick Primary School, Janice Kershaw, said children involved had enjoyed every minute.

"They are really proud that all their hard work is now one display," she added.

Passer-by retired gas fitter Ken Jones of Bingley said the site much improved already.

"The children's pictures are lovely, and I also like stone wall print on one side and the dense leaves on hoardings going up to Myrtle Park," said Mr Jones, 77.

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