Around 60 city centre traders packed into a lively City Hall meeting for the promise of a new era of dialogue with Bradford Council.

Invited guests were urged to suggest ways in which the Council could help their businesses thrive at last night’s summit meeting which was chaired by executive member for regeneration and economy, Councillor David Green.

Market stall holders and business owners in the North Parade area highlighted the intimidating atmosphere caused by beggars and drinkers outside the nearby drugs treatment clinic.

Chris Bexon, who runs a shop in North Parade, called for retailers to be given primary spots over offices such as recruitment agencies to attract shoppers to active shop fronts.

Coun Green said he would speak to agents and owners of empty spaces about some of the “absolutely ludicrous” high rent some were asking.

Charalene Lee, owner of the Chino Thai restaurant in Centenary Square, was one of several guests to raise concerns over availability of parking for customers.

She said: “We put £1.2 million into Bradford and we are barely surviving. People can’t park in Bradford.

“We need events that bring people into the square. We need to get the word out that Bradford is fantastic.”

There was a shared consensus that the make up of businesses had to be a balance of household names and boutiques and for more work to be dedicated to promoting shops, possibly via a published or online directory.

Young entrepreneurs needed more encouragement to ensure skilled graduates did not look to other cities, and more businesses should exploit the internet and social networking sites to drum up trade.

Chief Inspector Kevin Pickles, of Bradford South Police, said there was a misplaced perception that the city centre was unsafe.

Afterwards, Coun Green said: “There were a lot of great ideas from retailers. I’m certain this Council will now start delivering.”