Traders are calling for Bingley Show to be returned to the town centre.

Last week, the Telegraph & Argus reported how Bingley Chamber of Trade had launched a survey to assess traders' views after this year's show was staged at the Bradford & Bingley Sports Club on Wagon Lane after more than a century at Myrtle Park.

Show organisers said problems over health and safety, traffic and access rights meant the event could no longer remain at the park.

They say the switch did not affect the number of visitors, but chamber president Pauline Wood says the survey results are revealing that trade in the town centre was hit during what, for many, is normally one of the busiest days of the year.

She said: "We've had about 60 replies back so far. An overwhelming majority want the show to move back to the park.

"One trader said Bingley town centre was like the Marie Celeste this year and another said business was down about 75 per cent.''

Mrs Wood added: "Once we've got all the replies back in we'll contact the show organisers and ask for a meeting.

"We're hoping they'll reconsider things and at least look at the possibility of coming back to the park.''

Gail Richards, manageress of the Ferrands Arms in Queen Street, said: "The pub was absolutely heaving on show day last year whereas this year our trade was diabolical.

"A lot of small businesses rely on the trade from show day but this year there was no-one on Main Street - it was like a ghost town.

"From a business point of view it should come back to the park and from a personal point of view I think it's a real shame it's been taken out of the town centre.''

Show vice-chairman Jim Hinchliffe has said the intention is to stage the show at the sports club again next year, with the matter being discussed at a meeting in September.

He said: "I can't comment on the chamber's survey until they've sent us the results."