Open meeting set up with Bradford traders

Bradford Council’s new Labour leadership and senior regeneration officers have invited bosses to come forward with ideas for how Bradford can become a more attractive place for people to do business and to shop.

Councillor David Green, the Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “The aim of the meeting is quite simple. We think it’s time the Council re-engaged on a day-to-day basis with shops and businesses in the city centre to see what we can do to help them through these hard economic times.

“In the last couple of years, the Council has concentrated on strategic planning and delivering the big projects.

“But it’s vital that we give support to local businesses to ensure that as and when all these major plans come into force that we have retained a mix of businesses and retail in the city centre.

“This is the first step in terms of the new Council administration talking to people to identify what the problems and opportunities are and to try to start doing some work to support companies that are in the city centre.

“I expect there to be a lot of issues raised. The fact we are holding the meeting is clear indication of a change in the direction of travel.”

Coun Green said he wanted to establish regular contact between the Council and traders to make Bradford city centre feel like a place that is “loved” on a day-to-day basis.

In a letter sent to Bradford businesses, Mike Cowlam, the Council’s assistant director of regeneration, said: “The new Council leadership and senior regeneration officers recognise that these are difficult and challenging economic times for all businesses in the city centre.

“In the face of massive cut backs, the Council continues to invest in the city centre, but recognises that it is the businesses of Bradford that hold the key to future prosperity.”

The meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Wednesday, July 21, in the Council Chamber of Bradford City Hall.