SHIPLEY MP Philip Davies is to have urgent talks with Morrisons' bosses amid concern over popular plans for a retail and housing development in Shipley based around a new supermarket.

Last summer it was confirmed Morrisons could go ahead with building a new store with mixed commercial and housing in partnership with Skipton Properties on the Crag Road site.

A battle between that scheme and two other similar projects ended after Network Rail and DB Schenker together with developers GMI, withdrew an appeal against the planners' decision to pick the Morrisons proposal against the advice of council officers.

Mr Davies said he now shared the concerns of many.

"I contacted Morrisons a month ago and asked, due to how badly they were performing, what was happening with this plan in Shipley as it is very important and essential it goes ahead.

"Senior management contacted me and asked for meeting which is due to take place imminently," Mr Davies said.

Windhill and Wrose Councillor Vanda Greenwood said: "We've been watching the news about Morrisons over the last year with increasing concern and this latest announcement does nothing to allay those fears."

"We're asking Morrisons to clarify the position as soon as possible. "If they are no longer going to develop then we, as ward councillors, will be wanting to know what their plans are for the site. Do they have a plan B and if so what is it..?

"This was the only application I've ever known where everyone rang me to say 'we want this!' Cllr Greenwood said.

Neither Morrisons nor Skipton Properties provided a comment on this issue.