Bradford city centre was today described as a "tawdry Black-pool" as a row blew up over its streets of amusement arcades.

But gaming operator Peter Cilenti sprang to the industry's defence and said they were not dingy gaming dens frequented by truants.

Mr Cilenti, who owns seven city-centre premises, said they were smart, attractive meeting places which provided jobs for 70 Bradford people.

The row has erupted because there are 11 centres within walking distance of each other in the city centre offering fruit machines or bingo.

The number of gaming permits issued by the licensing sub-committee has not increased in the past year but a loophole means there is nothing to stop operators surrendering their existing permits to transfer to bigger premises where more machines can be installed.

Today, the chairman of the Council's regeneration committee, Councillor Dave Green, admitted he was concerned about the number of arcades.

Chamber of Trade president Eric Hudson said his members would continue to fight the growth of arcades because they wanted the space for retail.

Tory leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said the council was trying to regenerate the city centre but companies would think twice because of the arcades and litter from fast-food outlets.

She said: "The city centre is getting to look like a tawdry Blackpool." Mr Cilenti said: "I understand the concerns about retail in the city centre because we would also want to see more." He also supported restrictions on permits and was currently opposing an application by another party.

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