Redeveloped area 'back in business'

Robert Bland Ltd, a jewellers and clock makers in the city since 1873, said business was buoyant and claimed a series of new projects was enticing shoppers back to the area.

The Sunwin House department store last week opened its new multi-storey car park just off Thornton Road, in a bid to end years of parking problems.

And today Bradford Council confirmed that a major project to resurface the road and pavements would get underway in the new year.

Improvements to street lighting in Thornton Road have already started.

Trevor Offless, manager at Robert Bland Ltd, said £200,000 worth of improvements had been made to the firm's showroom and exterior as part of the redevelopment of the Sunwin site.

He said the business, which employs about 20 staff, had already noticed an increase in custom as a result and was anticipating a rush in the build-up to Christmas.

"The whole Thornton Road area of town has been run down for far too long and something like this needed to be done," he said.

"It is vital to link this area with the centre of the city."

Matthew Ward, group operations manager for Sunwin department stores, said the new car park, which has a series of security features, was expected to tempt shoppers back to the city centre.

"I feel that we are beginning to turn the corner and we are looking forward to the outcome of the road improvements," he said. "When that is done, and with the new street lighting, it will really tidy up this end of Thornton Road."

In order to encourage more use of the new car park, an offer has been launched which allows Sunwin customers to park for free for an hour if they spend more than £5.

A Bradford Council spokesman confirmed major work on Thornton Road, including resurfacing, would start in January. A programme to replace and improve street lighting in the area is currently underway and is due for completion by Christmas.