The agency charged with bringing investment into the area has admitted Bradford city centre is its priority – rather than the World Heritage Site of Saltaire.

Yorkshire Forward chief executive Tom Riordan made the comments after the Telegraph & Argus revealed no money had been given to Saltaire by the Regional Development Agency while other World Heritage Sites had been handed millions.

In a letter to Shipley Tory MP Philip Davies, Mr Riordan wrote: “I can confirm that Bradford Council has prioritised Bradford city centre for Yorkshire Forward investment, and thus Yorkshire Forward does not currently have any plans to invest in Saltaire World Heritage site.

“As an RDA we appreciate how important tourism is to the region and indeed have prioritised investment in support of the region’s tourism industry, particularly in promoting the region through TV and press adverts and indications are that 2009 has generally been a good year for tourism in Yorkshire.”

However, a separate letter from Bradford Council’s strategic director of regeneration, Barra Mac Ruairi, says a list of projects put forward by the Council for investment were prioritised by Yorkshire Forward.

Mr Mac Ruairi said Council officers met Yorkshire Forward officials to explain the need to develop a strategy and detail the social, economic and cultural benefits it would bring to the district.

The letter says: “We were told that Yorkshire Forward would be prioritising the projects put forward. However, no response was forthcoming from the discussions.

“My impression had been that Yorkshire Forward has not seen Saltaire as a priority scheme for its funding.”

Mr Davies said he would continue lobbying for funding and said investing in Saltaire would have wider economic benefits for the entire Bradford district.

He said: “As far as I am concerned, Saltaire is the crown jewel of the Bradford district.

“It is about time Yorkshire Forward recognised that and provided it with the investment it needs to fulfil its potential.

“All I asked of Yorkshire Forward was to do what other regional development agencies were doing and invest in their heritage sites.

“There should be no more wasting time and they should get on with giving Saltaire money.”