Alternative proposals to redevelop Bingley's Myrtle Walk shopping centre have been firmly rejected by its owners, Fordgate.

Donaldsons, the firm that operates the precinct, sought to end damaging speculation by issuing a strongly worded statement on Fordgate's behalf, criticising a plan put forward by the Thornfield company.

Donaldsons recently published plans of how they hope to revamp the centre with an £11 million project.

But these were thrown into doubt when Thornfield Properties announced their own £2m scheme - including plans to buy the precinct, valued at £3.5m.

Donaldsons were also rocked to discover that Safeway, a resident in the centre for many years, was backing the rival plans. In addition they were determined to leave the centre for a purpose-built £7m store on the old cattle market site in Keighley Road.

Donaldsons managing director Richard Young said: "Thornfield have suggested they will redevelop Myrtle Walk and have put forward their own proposals.

"We would wish to point out that the shopping centre is owned by a large successful property company who will not sell the centre to Thornfield as they wish to proceed with development in accordance with the planning application they have submitted."

"Thornfield approached Donaldsons several months ago and asked if they could purchase the centre. But no proposals were ever received and the current owners wish to make it clear they have no intention of taking the matter further." He said the announcement by Safeway that they were not interested in taking the new supermarket to be built at Myrtle Walk was a "disappointment".

He added: "However, we now have the opportunity of letting the new store to another well-known supermarket chain. We hope to be able to make a further announcement shortly."

And in a clear sign of their irritation at Thornfield seeking to redevelop a building they do not own, he added: "It is essential to protect the town centre that planning consent for the redevelopment of Myrtle Walk is granted.

"In the meantime we suggest Thornfield refrain from talking about their own plans for it so as not to confuse the shoppers of Bingley any further."

At a meeting of Bingley Town Neighbourhood Forum in the town's Arts Centre last night, Bradford Council principal planning officer Christopher Hughes outlined procedure regarding the three applications for retail development in Bingley.

They are: Myrtle Walk, the old auction mart site on Keighley Road, which Thornfield want to develop jointly with Safeway, and Leonard Street.

He told an audience of around 60: "It's not a question of saying we will have all three, thank you very much."

He would be in a position to give his recommendations before the August meeting of the Shipley panel.

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