A survey has been launched among traders amid claims that business was "absolutely dead'' when Bingley Show was moved this year.

The questionnaire aims to find out whether traders want the historic show moved back to its old town centre home.

This year's show attracted thousands of visitors to the Bradford & Bingley Rugby Club in Wagon Lane, having moved from Myrtle Park after more than 100 years.

When news of the move was announced, some traders in the town centre said they feared it would deprive them of one of their busiest days of the year.

Now Bingley Chamber of Trade has sent questionnaires to more than 100 traders, asking them whether business was affected and if they would like to see the show back at its original venue. Show organisers said problems over health and safety, traffic and access rights meant the event could no longer remain at the park.

Chamber president Pauline Wood said once questionnaires were returned and the results collated they would be sent to the show's organisers and a request made for a meeting.

She said: "We've only got three replies back so far but they've all said they want the show moved back to the park and say compared to last year trade was absolutely dead.

"I went through town on show day myself and it was deserted compared to a normal Wednesday. Usually Bingley is extremely busy on show day, especially the cafes, restaurants and pubs.

"The last thing traders wanted was to see business affected on a day when it's normally boosted.

"My own view is that it should go back to the park. With parking on site, people were going straight to the show and there was no reason for them to stop in Bingley.''

Rachel Child, co-owner of the Memphis Belle cafe in Wellington Street, said: "Wednesday's normally a busy day for us and show days are usually very good but this year was by far the quietest - it was like a Sunday.

"Having the show down there didn't bring any trade into the town at all and local people went out of the town centre to go to the show. I'd definitely like to see it back in the park.''

Bingley Town Centre Manager David Dinsey said: "I hope the show organisers will give careful consideration as to where the future of the show lies as I believe a majority of people would like to see this major event back at its original home. ''

Show vice-chairman Jim Hinchliffe said: "When we're sent the results of the survey we'll read them and if necessary discuss it with the Chamber.

"We were delighted with how it went at the sports club and our vision at the moment is that it will go ahead there again next year.

"The show's good for Bingley as a whole. It hasn't left Bingley and we had free buses bringing people to the show and taking them back to the town centre.

"I wouldn't have thought it affected trade and for the eight or nine people I've spoken to about it, there was no problem at all.''