Shipley MP Chris Leslie has been accused of 'self-seeking' behaviour in the continuing row over the future of Bingley Town Centre Partnership.

Councillor David Herdson (Con, Shipley West), chairman of Bradford Council's Community Area Panel, said Mr Leslie's call for a public meeting to consider the group's future was "mere political manoeuvring."

The partnership, which holds its meetings in private and is the town's most influential and powerful body, has been dogged by criticism that it is unaccountable and secretive.

Mr Leslie has now organised a public meeting in the council chamber of Bingley Town Hall on Thursday at 7.15pm to clear the air.

But Coun Herdson said the move smacked of desperation. Last month he refused Mr Leslie's request for a special Neighbourhood Forum saying he was the only partnership member who wanted it.

Coun Herdson said: "It will not decide anything. He is by himself here. Members are quite happy with the existing structure though it is recognised that it has not been as open as it might have been.

"But quite frankly what he is doing is making the situation worse and he is not representing the views of the partnership which is quite irresponsible. I will be surprised if many people turn up."

Mr Leslie said the meeting would be chaired by Bingley curate the Reverend Sue Wharton and he would make an initial statement to kick-start the debate.

He said: "The meeting will discuss press attendance, membership of the partnership and constitutional issues including its terms of reference."

Responding to Coun Herdson's comments he said: "I would be very disappointed if local councillors seek to drag this issue down to a party-political bun-fight.

"All I want to do is give local people an opportunity to have their say on what has been an ongoing debate.

"For the life of me I cannot understand why Bradford Council in the form of Coun Herdson is so determined to stop a public forum taking place. It is bizarre.

"We cannot resolve this issue behind closed doors any more.

"We have to go back to our roots and let the people of Bingley have their say. If that is a crime, then I plead guilty."