One of the UK’s leading bingo operators has sparked anger with residents with plans for a new bingo club in one of Bradford city centre’s busiest shopping streets.

Bradford City Centre Management, part of Bradford Council’s Department of Regeneration and Culture, is opposed the plans in which the former Woolwich bank in Kirkgate, and currently be operated as a fashion store Glance to be converted into a bingo club. Reports suggest that residents within the area are also looking to object to the application.

The owners of the building, London Investments, have made an application to the council for change of use which will allow it to be developed into bingo club by “one of the UK’s leading bingo operators”.

Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration and economy, Councillor David Green commented: “Kirkgate is one of the main shopping thoroughfares in the city centre and I believe the shops there should be used for retail. There are more than sufficient bingo and amusement centres in the city centre and if we are to continue working to revive the retail offer in Bradford it is important that we try and bring as many of the empty units back into use as shops rather than amusement arcades or bingo halls, because I think it would be a lost opportunity for the city centre.”