A key member of Bradford's business community is calling for an urgent meeting to tackle the public's fears for their safety in the city.

President-elect of Bradford Chamber of Commerce John Pennington said Bradford's business community could not afford to wait for outside help and had to take on the task of renewing confidence.

He warned Bradford would "sink" unless something was done. He is calling on Bradford Council to help the efforts by offering one month free of business rates and spearheading a campaign to promote the district.

Mr Pennington, owner of Pennington's night club, said: "I have been shocked by what I have seen walking around the city centre.

"I went into some bars on Friday night and there were only about 60 people in there. I saw a restaurant with only two tables taken.

"I'm only back up to about 20 per cent of normal custom and I had about half the normal number of staff.

"It's about time we started helping ourselves because if we don't do something now Bradford is going to sink."

Mr Pennington is urging all businesses, of whatever size, to get together for a meeting within the next few days and has suggested measures to get people back into the city.

He said: "Maybe we could find a way to fund a free bus service into Bradford, or perhaps the Council could offer a month's free rate relief to businesses. And the Council could use its marketing team to come up with a campaign promoting Bradford."

Businesses are asked to ring Mr Pennington on Bradford 304455.