Bingley is becoming a better place to shop, with improved parking facilities and attractive surroundings bringing in more business, according to new traders.

The latest shopkeepers to set up in the town say the attempts to clean it up have made it more conducive to custom and boosted trade.

Robert Carter chose Queen's Court as the ideal place to relocate his family travel firm after being based in Bradford for 18 years - and he is delighted with the response.

He said: "It really is lovely - there is easy parking where we are and people can get in by rail or bus. What is also nice is how many people have just dropped in to say hello. I've been open just over a month but it's very encouraging. When the new road is built and they do what they do to Main Street, I can see it being an even better place for people to come shopping."

Mr Carter, 53, who runs Robert Carter Travel with his wife Barbara, used work from premises in Cheapside and the Wool Exchange in Bradford city centre. But he is happy with the move, which has also brought him closer to his home in Ashfield Crescent, Bingley.

Delyse Cummins said business at her dress agency Del-Ziner on Main Street was booming after opening 11 months ago.

"It has been doing very well," she said.

"I opened here because there is no other ladies dress shop in Bingley to cater for the younger market of late-teens to mid-40s and it's a nice place to trade. It was a new venture for me as I used to work in a building society but it has taken off and I'm always busy."

The shop, which sells new and nearly new evening wear and hats, also doubles as a tanning shop and Mrs Cummins believes diversity is a key factor in attracting people in.

A new car park near Bingley Fire Station on Main Street was installed by Bradford Council after pressure from the Better Bingley Campaign and has also helped to lift trade at the bottom end of the town.

Bingley Town Centre Manager David Dinsey said the future was looking bright and urged anyone with ideas for development of the town to get involved in an up-and-coming consultation.