Ambitious plans to create a social hub for the people of Bingley have been hatched by residents.

A grand vision to build a continental-style plaza with cafe, fountain, sculptures and outdoor performance area was devised at recent workshops in the town.

Now a public meeting has been called to discuss proposals to take Bingley into the 21st century when the relief road is completed.

Townsfolk will consider the vibrant new makeover for the area outside the town's arts centre. It is hoped to provide a central spot which they believe would allow community spirit to flourish.

Bingley artist Neil Palliser, who is one of those behind the scheme, said most people felt the town needed a symbolic centre where people could gather by a clock, outdoor chess area, mosaic or sculpture.

He said: "Bingley does not have a natural town centre but this is the chance to establish one. We do not want the shopping centre to be the emotional and physical centre of the town.

"The arts centre is a very boring building, it is very much of its time. One idea was for it to become an atrium with a cafe and a social meeting point for the public.

"From the meeting, it seemed the public would accept it if the mounds at the front were flattened. It is an attractive garden space but that could be incorporated into a central square."

Grants could be obtained from the arts lottery and some of the cash could come from a £1.1 million fund ring-fenced by Bradford Council for improvements to the area.

Robin Martin, of Bingley Little Theatre, said an open space with performance areacould improve the town.

He said: "At the moment, Bingley Arts Centre is a wasted resource. "

An open meeting will be held in the United Reformed Church in Dryden Street, Bingley, on July 23 at 7pm.