AN ILKLEY businesswoman has welcomed suggestions a scrutiny committee should look at the plight of struggling traders in smaller towns and villages across Bradford district.

Councillor Dominic Fear said he was alarmed to hear how difficult trading conditions were for shopkeepers after Helen Rhodes, a member of Ilkley Business Forum, addressed a full meeting of Bradford Council.

The owner of Poppy Red, a children's shoe shop in Ilkley, Helen attended to hand over a petition, calling for the council to re-think a ban on A-boards placed on public pavements in the town.

Disability groups had welcomed the move, saying advertising A-boards pose a hazard to blind and partially sighted people.

But speaking on behalf of members of Ilkley Business Forum, Helen highlighted just how close to folding many local businesses are, and she fears the ban will send some over the edge.

Cllr Fear (Lib Dem, Idle and Thackley) said: “They came to the council with a specific concern about A-boards, but they were saying ‘We are having lots of difficulties, lots of businesses are looking to close and we are really struggling’.

“They are having a very hard time.”

Cllr Fear, a member of the regeneration and economy overview and scrutiny committee, said he wanted it to look into the difficulties such traders face and any ways the council could alleviate these, describing small businesses as “the lifeblood of our economy”.

He said he had already spoken to the committee chairman, Cllr Adrian Farley, about the idea.

Cllr Farley said the committee is planning to look at Bradford city centre and Keighley town centre, so could also incorporate a look at other towns and villages.

He added: “It was a good idea so I will incorporate it into the work we are doing.”

Helen said she would welcome the opportunity to speak directly to councillors about some of the concerns.

She added: “That sounds fabulous.

"To get anybody on side would be a benefit, from where we feel we are at the moment.”

During her presentation to Bradford Council, Helen gave specific examples of the negative impact the A-board ban is having on Ilkley businesses, many of whom have experienced a significant fall-off in trade.

She told the council: "Everyone loves the fact Ilkley has a vibrant town centre with a wide variety of little shops and cafes – indeed, this is why many visitors choose to come.

"Surely, it therefore makes sense for everyone to try and keep the small retailers in business? There are currently about seven of these small businesses up for sale and I could tell you about several more who would sell if they thought they could do so."