The pressure group Better Bingley Campaign has been plunged into crisis by the resignation of its chairman, Philip Smith.

The group has been in limbo for six months after the high-profile 45-year-old suffered severe ill health. After weeks of agonising over his decision, he has decided he can no longer head the group.

Among reasons for his move, he cites the slow pace of change in the town for which he has blamed Bradford Council and the Bingley Town Centre Partnership, chaired by Shipley MP Chris Leslie.

In a letter urging members to attend a crunch meeting in the Brown Cow on May 10 at 7pm, he said: "Despite previous appeals, no-one has come forward to fill the position of vice-chairman and after much thought I feel I am unable to continue as chairman. This meeting is therefore crucial to the future of the Better Bingley Campaign which has done much for Bingley and I believe still has much to do.

"Three key issues are due to be discussed at the meeting: the election of a new chairman and other officers; whether the Better Bingley Campaign has a future; and, if so, an action plan for this year."

Mr Smith told the T&A: "I have chaired it for four years. My resignation doesn't mean I'm not going to be involved in Bingley but this will give me more freedom to speak out."

Despite Mr Smith's criticism, MP Chris Leslie was generous in his tribute. "Philip has done a tremendous amount of hard work for Bingley. He has certainly been very instrumental in trying to get things done and I am sure he will continue to play an active role in the community," he said.

David Dinsey, Bingley town centre manager, said: "I'm very sorry to hear that Philip has decided to step down and I sincerely hope that a replacement with the same commitment and passion for Bingley that he had and still has is found."

Paul Tordoff, manager of the Brown Cow, said: "Nothing ever seems to really change in Bingley. I've been here for a year but I have never seen a change for the better or worse. I don't know what difference the campaign group will make."

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