Bradford has fallen into the trap of becoming a clone High Street and must attract more independent shops to turn the tide of decline, says a local retail guru.

Stefan Simmonds, a former Bradford wool textile chief who invested heavily in refurbishing a shopping arcade in Cleckheaton, said the only way Bradford city centre could survive as a viable shopping destination was to stand out from the rest.

According to the latest Council figures, outlined in the Telegraph & Argus yesterday, nearly a fifth of shops in the city centre are now empty, with 120 out of almost 660 units lying vacant.

Mr Simmonds said the city needed to attract more independent retailers.

He said: “The truth is that Bradford is a homogeneous high street, it’s all the same chain stops as in other towns and cities. It’s about time the Government and planners realised this has been the trap and could spell certain death.

“No doubt at all it’s independent shops that are the most attractive element of any shopping centre. They are usually run by the people who own them, who are up against big competitors. They have to offer something different and better service. Independent shops always give better services because they work hard to keep their customers.”

Mr Simmonds said the Govern-ment’s appointment of TV presenter Mary Portas to carry out a review and make recommendations on what could halt the High Street demise was “worthy”.

He also said the quickest and easiest way of encouraging independent shops into a struggling city centre was for the local authority to suspend all rates on all empty properties for at least one year.

“There’s already some concessions for smaller businesses but scrapping whacking great rates would tempt new traders to come and chance their arm,” he said.

Retailers joining forces “like one big family” working together would also bring about more prosperity.

“Promotions, events, celebrations – they all work and pull in the crowds of shoppers,” he said.

  • Read the full story in Thursday's T&A