A new schoolwear shop has opened in the Colne Valley following a £60,000 refurbishment project.

The former Halifax bank in Milnsbridge has been transformed to Bridge Schoolwear, employing four full-time and three-part-time staff.

The move contrasts with the imminent closure of schoolwear retailer Rawcliffes at Byram Street in Huddersfield after administrators appointed to its Leicester-bsed parent company, the Cheatle Group, were unable to sell the branch. The shop is due to close before the end of September.

Colne Valley businessman Jag Bhullar, who has opened Bridge Schoolwear at Market Street, said: “I had plans for this in February and we employed an ex-Cheatles employee to help get it up and running. We have spent £60,000 refurbishing the premises to provide retail space over two floors and we are helping bring a buzz back to the village.”

At present, Bridge Schoolwear supplies uniforms for Huddersfield Grammar School, Colne Valley High School, Royds Hall School, Salendine Nook High School, Moor End Academy and about 12 primary schools in the Colne Valley as well as local Cub and Brownie packs.