Riot-destroyed garage re-opens

The garage was attacked during the riots in 2001

The Duke of York has re-opened a car dealership in Bradford which was burnt to the ground during riots two years ago.

The BMW garage was previously based in the Manningham area until it was attacked in a night of rioting.

Damage valued at more than £1.5m was caused as the garage was destroyed in July 2001.

The firm JCT600 has re-opened the dealership across the city, four miles away from Manningham, and says it remains committed to the city

Regeneration hope

Chief executive John Tordoff said: "Since the riots we took the decision to move closer to where our other businesses are based.

"It is also closer to the motorway links and gives us a better business opportunity with the rest of West Yorkshire."

But some traders in Manningham are disappointed that the company has moved away.

Businessman Qummar Zaman said: "BMW around this area was like the jewel, and we miss it a lot."

But it is hoped the site, which has been derelict for two years, will eventually be replaced by a new shopping development.