Long-serving Bradford city centre manager Bob Parker is to take on Bingley town centre in the New Year.

Initially Mr Parker will work on both Bradford and Bingley matters until April, when he will work exclusively in Bingley in a part-time role. The move means Bradford Council will need to recruit a full-time replacement to cover the city centre in the spring.

As for his new role, Mr Parker will be working on behalf of Bingley’s businesses, organisations and the community on issues affecting the town centre.

He began his career in the Aire Valley, starting with the Council’s town centre management in Shipley in 1996 and then went to work in Bradford city centre in 2004.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to working in Bingley and using my experience to revitalise the town in partnership with businesses.”

Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, portfolio holder for employment, skills and culture, said: "I'm delighted we’ve been able to appoint a new town centre manager in Bingley at a time when many towns up and down the country are making town centre managers redundant.

“Bingley is a great little town, with lots to attract shoppers. I know Bob will do a good job in marketing the town and working with businesses to realise its full potential.”

Bingley councillor David Heseltine, chairman of Shipley Area Committee, said: “I welcome the news that the new town centre manager will have the experience, knowledge and contacts from day one. Bob Parker has a track record both in Shipley and Bingley and I am looking forward, along with my colleagues, to working with him.”

Bingley Chamber of Trade participated in the recruitment process. Its president, Howard Martin, said: “Bob’s understanding of the requirements of the position were excellent. I was impressed by his wealth of experience and I am confident that we can work together in moving Bingley in the right direction.”

The position has been vacant since May 2011, and earlier this year Mr Martin complained that the Council was dragging its feet over filling the vacancy, which he claimed had led to Bingley’s high street suffering.