Council gets in expert help to give us a dose of retail therapy (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

"more clothes shops and department stores. Some spoke negatively about the high number of pound shops."

Did they really need to spend £40k to find that out? They could have read the comments/letters in the last 3 years T&A to find that out! They've obviously provided great value if they've already been involved for 5 years!

the Council is wasting £40,000 just to find out that bradford has no SHOPS !
and plenty of empty buildings !
no wonder things will never get better for a Dieing city center

Retail is screwed, no one has any money to spend, we don't need any more shops.

Wasn't this survey done nearly 10 years ago when the Wesfield project was planned? Surveys have already been completed on the fact that Bradford shoppers go into Leeds or White Rose Sooooo .....bring what they are offering to Bradford !!.ALSO the council should be keeping established businesses HERE not overcharging for rent. Bradford is not shopper friendly when they can't work with retailers to stay....They seem to prefer empty properties littering the high streets Whatever happened to TJHughes? that store has not been taken up again and remains empty There is no magic solution.. but we do need positive thinking on moving forward.. giving Bradford City centre more retail life.

If ever an article proves that the council in bradford are devoid of any intelligence whatsoever and clearly must live in a world far far away this is it.
I will spell it out as clearly as I can, what bradford needs is a shopping centre not a whole in the city centre.

As they are not big in retail development,anyone remember Westfield...maybe they are needing to justify further failure by seeking realisation that Bradford is dying on it's retail feet.In so doing,they can then spend lots of tax payers money on improving transport links to neighbouring towns and cities where there are ready made town centre options available.After all the revamped city centre plans,all the hype and all the costs incurred in so called retail regeneration...they STILL are 'in the dark' as what this city needs...and they as councilors,preside over it!

I will give a report for half the amount. I may not be an "expert" but to attract shoppers do we need shops? The City Park is a nice place to sit and wait for a bus to Leeds

WYG are primarily Consulting Engineers, a retail agency would have been better. No bother I can answer the survey now.
Those few who create the bad atmosphere of the City centre will say more Pound shops and Bookies, those interviewed outside of Bradford Centre will say they go elsewhere and wont be back and those like jozieme and me will say "get the old survey out and read it".
The really worrying thing here is that Westfield was going to solve all this with the development itself and the spin off elsewhere in the centre arising from Westfield`s success. Is the fact that the Council are now launching the new survey a back door way of them finally admitting that Westfield will not happen?, if so hurray, at last theyv`e seen the light.

...This rather leads one to believe that the gaff uttered by Westfield last week has more than an element of truth about it.Is this a signal that Westfield are about to sell the site and finally pull out...if so they 'promised something that would please the people of Bradford' Could be starting over...again.

Wow we are allowed to comment on this.
The T&A for some reason have locked down these stories for months.
Firstly the fact Westfield are looking to sell makes a complete mockery of all the propaganda been pushed out by the council that a start date is round the corner.
The fact the story last week saying the government money to help business is now going to be handed out when it appeared ring fenced for Westfield is another sign that the project is nowhere near getting off the ground.
If we can all see this why does the T&A just print the rubbish it has been told by the council.
Why is a blind eye being turned to the tradex bazzar? It was ordered to shut down months ago but its still open?
People will shop in Bradford if it was safe and had something to offer. It isn't and it hasn't in a nutshell and the council have provided little help to those whi have stuck by with high parking charges and over zelous wardens.

Thee Voice of Reason wrote:
Wow we are allowed to comment on this.
The T&A for some reason have locked down these stories for months.
Firstly the fact Westfield are looking to sell makes a complete mockery of all the propaganda been pushed out by the council that a start date is round the corner.
The fact the story last week saying the government money to help business is now going to be handed out when it appeared ring fenced for Westfield is another sign that the project is nowhere near getting off the ground.
If we can all see this why does the T&A just print the rubbish it has been told by the council.
Why is a blind eye being turned to the tradex bazzar? It was ordered to shut down months ago but its still open?
People will shop in Bradford if it was safe and had something to offer. It isn't and it hasn't in a nutshell and the council have provided little help to those whi have stuck by with high parking charges and over zelous wardens.

Couldn't agree more about the blind eye being turned to the Tradex issue.

They are blatantly ignoring planning rulings and yet the T&A seems to think that a fairly minor event in the BRI car park is more worthy of reporting.

Close down Tradex before this weekend. That should be the final warning that is issued.

The council trying to push through parking charges in areas where free parking is availible won't be helping the City center, the fact many business are being penalised with high rates is another factor. Shops at the bottom end of the City are now cut adrift from the rest due to the Wastefield hole site and the fact 40% of the City center is Pound or Betting shops, with another 25% empty doesn't help matters.

People want to go out and buy what they want in one trip, with such a small range of shops people will go to Leeds where there are many department stores or to the White Rose, Meadowhall and Trafford Center where all the shops are under one roof to get what they want, rather than traveling to Bradford then finding they have to go elsewhere.

If Westfield was up and running now, we would have that area for people to head to and shop for everything they want but due to the way the contract was drawn up with no penalty causes we reap what we sow.

Btw, for state this obvious analysis may I have £40k as I doubt the finding of this consultancy firm will be much different.

The others said it all and agree with all.

Are we all being a little slow on the uptake here ? What if the report comes back and says that what we DONT need is a new shopping centre in the city centre that would be 40K well spent to let both the council and westfield off the hook of their perpetually embarrasing situation.

baildon boy wrote:
Are we all being a little slow on the uptake here ? What if the report comes back and says that what we DONT need is a new shopping centre in the city centre that would be 40K well spent to let both the council and westfield off the hook of their perpetually embarrasing situation.

The report will say what the council wants them to say. Remember the report on the City Park saying it would bring in £80m per year.

Here we go again. Same old.....same old....Bradford Council wasting OUR money on outside Consultants. Let the Councillors earn their expenses for once, getting out on the streets and hitting the telephones to speak to the people they supposedly serve. Designing of questionnaires and collation of data could be done by students at the University, or even by school sixth formers. A practical educational project for the students and a money-SAVING exercise for the Council

Has the man in the photograph sold all his Big Issues

Again more wasted money, why can't the Council ask the people of BRADFORD what we want. Retail is DEAD in Bradford people are going to morley etc than time in BRADFORD. MORE people spend their time in the Mirror Pool than shopping. Please Bradford Council get a grip or is it to little to late. Will you ever learn NO I don't think so.

I salute the courage of the owner of Tradex Bazaar who is openly defying the closing order and has successfully snatched business from the legal businesses in the city by offering stalls for £55 per week all inclusive and concealed the ID of all stall holders and the Council is helpless at his hands. He has successfully robbed the city legal businesses and no wonder more than 50 percent businesses will close in next few months adding to the beauty of the Bradford City. The only hindrance for successful retail business is the entire management of Bradford Council. They deserve to be lined in dole cue.

baildon boy wrote:
Are we all being a little slow on the uptake here ? What if the report comes back and says that what we DONT need is a new shopping centre in the city centre that would be 40K well spent to let both the council and westfield off the hook of their perpetually embarrasing situation.

If anything, Bradford could do with more smaller independent retailers. Ivegate could be transformed with antique shops, arts & crafts, vegetarian cafes, vegan shoe shops, occult book shops, boutiques, etc. like a cross between Haworth and Brighton.

a reasonable sort of chap wrote:
Retail is screwed, no one has any money to spend, we don't need any more shops.

Try going to Leeds one Saturday and see the crowds there. They are opening another shopping centre early next year as well.

It's a good job ourcouncillors don't run a brewery, because no-one would be having a p*ss-up!

The range of goods available to buy in Bradford is very limited. If you do need anything out of the ordinary you have to go to Leeds, Huddersfield or halifax where there is a much more varied selection of shops.
If the councillors had taken the trouble to get a bit of fresh air and stand in the city centre with questionares and actually ASKED the citizens of Bradford what was needed, they could have saved a lot of time and OUR money!

You couldnt make this stuff up if you tried. The calamity of the council would be just plain funny if it wasnt our money they are spending

I have money to spend and enjoy shopping. I have lived in Bradford all my life but will never ever go near the city centre not just because there isnt any shops but because of the scum of the earth that are located in and around the town centre. Give me Leeds, Manchester or even Sheffield anyday

yes I know Im the problem and if people like myself had supported the traders in the centre it might not have been this way but the town centre is just a chav free for all. Two weeks ago I dropped my daughter reluctantly off at the cineworld complex and escorted her to the cinema only for her to be leered at and called a "white sl*g". not to mention the open drug dealing that was going on outside the bowling and the waft of weed in the air. My daughter is 11 by the way. This just confirms that no matter what you build in Bradford and no matter how much money is spent you cant change the population and with no businesses here (not shops) any efforts to attract major retailors are pointless

Z.Raja wrote:
I salute the courage of the owner of Tradex Bazaar who is openly defying the closing order and has successfully snatched business from the legal businesses in the city by offering stalls for £55 per week all inclusive and concealed the ID of all stall holders and the Council is helpless at his hands. He has successfully robbed the city legal businesses and no wonder more than 50 percent businesses will close in next few months adding to the beauty of the Bradford City. The only hindrance for successful retail business is the entire management of Bradford Council. They deserve to be lined in dole cue.

Unfortunately the support for illegal activity in Bradford is precisely why the place is going down the drain rapidly.

Until at least a few right thinking people stand up to the lawlessness which is rampant then that decline will continue.

The Tradex situation is a prime example of illegal activity being allowed to continue to the detriment of all of the citizens of Bradford.

Z.Raja wrote:
I salute the courage of the owner of Tradex Bazaar who is openly defying the closing order and has successfully snatched business from the legal businesses in the city by offering stalls for £55 per week all inclusive and concealed the ID of all stall holders and the Council is helpless at his hands. He has successfully robbed the city legal businesses and no wonder more than 50 percent businesses will close in next few months adding to the beauty of the Bradford City. The only hindrance for successful retail business is the entire management of Bradford Council. They deserve to be lined in dole cue.

Is that anything like a snooker cue?
I shop in other towns and cities because I prefer to be among the people there, no amount of papering over the cracks will alter that.

As already stated, there are no shops and hence no choice in Bradford. you go to Leeds and you can walk around for miles going up and down each stretch of shops.

Bradford's main shopping area is badly placed, it's a on a steep hill compared to Leeds' gradual slope. It makes it easier for people to walk along and not get tired.

Each street of shops has a huge pedestrian walking area between them with plenty of seats and you can see all the way to the other end. Whilst Bradford is narrow and dark and full of people you dont want to be on the same street with.

You'l rarely hear people shout abuse in Leeds shopping areas, but in Bradford it's on the hour every hour.

Bradford is now a city for the scum, so is it any wonder why it's catered for them now with poundshops and betting shops.

Oh and how come I missed the article about Westfield considering to sell the site now?

How committed are Westfield if they are considering pulling out after mothballing it for so long?!

People should sign the epetition and demand a formal inquiry on why this was allowed to happen and the effects of surrounding businesses, some of which have been driven out of business!

Why bother with shops. Apart from food I get everything off the internet. Simpler cheaper and far less hassle.

justjustice wrote:
Oh and how come I missed the article about Westfield considering to sell the site now?

How committed are Westfield if they are considering pulling out after mothballing it for so long?!

People should sign the epetition and demand a formal inquiry on why this was allowed to happen and the effects of surrounding businesses, some of which have been driven out of business!

Would that actually achieve anything?

baildon boy wrote:
Are we all being a little slow on the uptake here ? What if the report comes back and says that what we DONT need is a new shopping centre in the city centre that would be 40K well spent to let both the council and westfield off the hook of their perpetually embarrasing situation.

Well it does not matter not being built is it anyway.

This is something all councils do and need to do about every five years to help decide planning applications and plan for retail development. Whilst there might be a few seemingly obvious solutions to sorting out retail, this document will essentially give the council a big set of numbers to bash the likes of Tesco over the head with.

This is something all councils do and need to do about every five years to help decide planning applications and plan for retail development. Whilst there might be a few seemingly obvious solutions to sorting out retail, this document will essentially give the council a big set of numbers to bash the likes of Tesco over the head with.

Lizzydripping wrote:
Here we go again. Same old.....same old....Bradford Council wasting OUR money on outside Consultants. Let the Councillors earn their expenses for once, getting out on the streets and hitting the telephones to speak to the people they supposedly serve. Designing of questionnaires and collation of data could be done by students at the University, or even by school sixth formers. A practical educational project for the students and a money-SAVING exercise for the Council

Cos that'll stand up against lawyers and planning inspectors?

justjustice wrote:
As already stated, there are no shops and hence no choice in Bradford. you go to Leeds and you can walk around for miles going up and down each stretch of shops.

Bradford's main shopping area is badly placed, it's a on a steep hill compared to Leeds' gradual slope. It makes it easier for people to walk along and not get tired.

Each street of shops has a huge pedestrian walking area between them with plenty of seats and you can see all the way to the other end. Whilst Bradford is narrow and dark and full of people you dont want to be on the same street with.

You'l rarely hear people shout abuse in Leeds shopping areas, but in Bradford it's on the hour every hour.

Bradford is now a city for the scum, so is it any wonder why it's catered for them now with poundshops and betting shops.

There are as many dodgy characters in Leeds as there is in Bradford - just far less 'normals' in Bradford to drown them out.

Albion. wrote:

justjustice wrote:
Oh and how come I missed the article about Westfield considering to sell the site now?

How committed are Westfield if they are considering pulling out after mothballing it for so long?!

People should sign the epetition and demand a formal inquiry on why this was allowed to happen and the effects of surrounding businesses, some of which have been driven out of business!

Would that actually achieve anything?

Yes, I believe we didnt do enough to make the issue with Westfield known with other councils in the country.

See how quickly Westfield tried to remove the occupiers. It's all bad press for them, for example Croydon are thinking of getting Westfield to do stuff for them, but looks like they are having doubts due to seeing what Westfield has done to Bradford.

If it is known that Westfield has help ruin Bradford, other councils will think twice before choosing them, impose tougher deadline fines etc. This will make it harder for them or more expensive for them to build here.

They ruined Bradford, so let's ruin their reputation.

And why isnt there an article from the T&A about the chance that Westfield may sell?! This is huge news for the district, it should be front page news with lots of criticism, questions and demands. Why isnt the T&A dong it's job and finding out why the sudden change; were Westfield not committed to Bradford? Why are they now trying to make a runner?

Hopefully is they do sell, the council wont pay the £80million ransom Westfield were asking for last time. It should make sure Westfield make a great loss from this, if the council buy it back, buy it at a rock bottom price! (but seeing how inept they are, they will pay whatever Westfield demand).

dfell wrote:
Why bother with shops. Apart from food I get everything off the internet. Simpler cheaper and far less hassle.

Same here. If you look around, you can get some realy cheap deals on clothing, electricals etc...

Andy2010 wrote:
You couldnt make this stuff up if you tried. The calamity of the council would be just plain funny if it wasnt our money they are spending

I have money to spend and enjoy shopping. I have lived in Bradford all my life but will never ever go near the city centre not just because there isnt any shops but because of the scum of the earth that are located in and around the town centre. Give me Leeds, Manchester or even Sheffield anyday

yes I know Im the problem and if people like myself had supported the traders in the centre it might not have been this way but the town centre is just a chav free for all. Two weeks ago I dropped my daughter reluctantly off at the cineworld complex and escorted her to the cinema only for her to be leered at and called a "white sl*g". not to mention the open drug dealing that was going on outside the bowling and the waft of weed in the air. My daughter is 11 by the way. This just confirms that no matter what you build in Bradford and no matter how much money is spent you cant change the population and with no businesses here (not shops) any efforts to attract major retailors are pointless

You're not much of a parent if you drop off your 11-year old in an area that you're not comfortable with.
.
I think you need to re-evaluate your responsibilities.
.
Or it could be that you made the whole thing up in the first place... {rolleyes}

justjustice wrote:

Albion. wrote:

justjustice wrote:
Oh and how come I missed the article about Westfield considering to sell the site now?

How committed are Westfield if they are considering pulling out after mothballing it for so long?!

People should sign the epetition and demand a formal inquiry on why this was allowed to happen and the effects of surrounding businesses, some of which have been driven out of business!

Would that actually achieve anything?

Yes, I believe we didnt do enough to make the issue with Westfield known with other councils in the country.

See how quickly Westfield tried to remove the occupiers. It's all bad press for them, for example Croydon are thinking of getting Westfield to do stuff for them, but looks like they are having doubts due to seeing what Westfield has done to Bradford.

If it is known that Westfield has help ruin Bradford, other councils will think twice before choosing them, impose tougher deadline fines etc. This will make it harder for them or more expensive for them to build here.

They ruined Bradford, so let's ruin their reputation.

And why isnt there an article from the T&A about the chance that Westfield may sell?! This is huge news for the district, it should be front page news with lots of criticism, questions and demands. Why isnt the T&A dong it's job and finding out why the sudden change; were Westfield not committed to Bradford? Why are they now trying to make a runner?

Hopefully is they do sell, the council wont pay the £80million ransom Westfield were asking for last time. It should make sure Westfield make a great loss from this, if the council buy it back, buy it at a rock bottom price! (but seeing how inept they are, they will pay whatever Westfield demand).

But aren't they trying to sell up and get out? Or so some reports have lead us to believe, I also think they are planning to do more developments overseas.
What would the council do with the land? Any answers on here would be pure guesswork.
You also have to consider legal expenses.
Personally even if it were built, I would still prefer to shop elsewhere.

The soaring cost of petrol has curtailed my visits to the white rose and such but the cost of parking in Bradford does put me off - it is dearer to park in the arndale on a sunday than it is for an hour any other day - ok you can park for longer but there isnt really enough for more ! I am lucky to live close to both Dunnes and Matalan which have a reasonable choice and cost. I have to agree with many of the comments about the people you come across, it doesnt make a pleasant experience. Whilst internet shopping is good you sometimes need to see & feel what you are buying plus the delivery usually means a trip into the Post Office to join the massive queue ! You need to encourage the likes of Dunnes, Matalan & Dunelm Mills into the town along with as suggested some independant quirky type shops. Like most "older" Bradfordians I can still rememeber shopping in Bradford being a pleasure and a treat, our lovely lively markets, Brown Muffs, Busbys, Sunwin House and Woolworths were all treasure troves especially at Christmas. Unfortunately the world has moved on and I cant see how we can ever now restore Bradford to what was a proud, wonderful and historic city, it is simply too late to undo the damage and decline that has been allowed to happen.

Albion. wrote:

Z.Raja wrote: I salute the courage of the owner of Tradex Bazaar who is openly defying the closing order and has successfully snatched business from the legal businesses in the city by offering stalls for £55 per week all inclusive and concealed the ID of all stall holders and the Council is helpless at his hands. He has successfully robbed the city legal businesses and no wonder more than 50 percent businesses will close in next few months adding to the beauty of the Bradford City. The only hindrance for successful retail business is the entire management of Bradford Council. They deserve to be lined in dole cue.

Is that anything like a snooker cue? I shop in other towns and cities because I prefer to be among the people there, no amount of papering over the cracks will alter that.

Me too. Spend all of my money outside Bradford. Just don't feel any connexion to people shopping in the city centre, feel on edge there, uncomfortable, worry about peoples behaviour, crime, dippers and about picking up health problems - nits, bedbugs, TB etc I know this is possible anywhere you go in UK but it just feels more likely in Bradford.

When has Bradford Coucil ever had a strategy? Load of tosh!

Joedavid wrote:

baildon boy wrote: Are we all being a little slow on the uptake here ? What if the report comes back and says that what we DONT need is a new shopping centre in the city centre that would be 40K well spent to let both the council and westfield off the hook of their perpetually embarrasing situation.

Well it does not matter not being built is it anyway.

Yes but the report could be the excuse both the council and westfield are looking for

modman61 wrote:
When has Bradford Coucil ever had a strategy? Load of tosh!

They did have a strategy: it was to build a pond, millions of extra people will visit, lots of new shops will open.

Massive fail on that one then!

justjustice wrote:

Albion. wrote:

justjustice wrote: Oh and how come I missed the article about Westfield considering to sell the site now? How committed are Westfield if they are considering pulling out after mothballing it for so long?! People should sign the epetition and demand a formal inquiry on why this was allowed to happen and the effects of surrounding businesses, some of which have been driven out of business!

Would that actually achieve anything?

Yes, I believe we didnt do enough to make the issue with Westfield known with other councils in the country. See how quickly Westfield tried to remove the occupiers. It's all bad press for them, for example Croydon are thinking of getting Westfield to do stuff for them, but looks like they are having doubts due to seeing what Westfield has done to Bradford. If it is known that Westfield has help ruin Bradford, other councils will think twice before choosing them, impose tougher deadline fines etc. This will make it harder for them or more expensive for them to build here. They ruined Bradford, so let's ruin their reputation. And why isnt there an article from the T&A about the chance that Westfield may sell?! This is huge news for the district, it should be front page news with lots of criticism, questions and demands. Why isnt the T&A dong it's job and finding out why the sudden change; were Westfield not committed to Bradford? Why are they now trying to make a runner? Hopefully is they do sell, the council wont pay the £80million ransom Westfield were asking for last time. It should make sure Westfield make a great loss from this, if the council buy it back, buy it at a rock bottom price! (but seeing how inept they are, they will pay whatever Westfield demand).

The potential Westfield sale was mentioned on the T&A website last week but it was buried in a story about how a local MP thinks it will still go ahead. Funnily enough, the story wasn't open to comments. Just another example of the T&A's censorship of stories that don't toe the official "Bradfords wonderful" line.

angry bradfordian wrote:

modman61 wrote: When has Bradford Coucil ever had a strategy? Load of tosh!

They did have a strategy: it was to build a pond, millions of extra people will visit, lots of new shops will open. Massive fail on that one then!

Totally agree, what a waste of money!

Free parking??? Lower business rates??
Revamp the eyesore that is Kirk-gate?? when a project is put into motion penalise the organisation for not meeting its deadline?? the list can go on and on, frankly its all in the bucket as it stands and it'll take alot of investment to bring it up to spec.

BD16 wrote:

justjustice wrote:

Albion. wrote:

justjustice wrote: Oh and how come I missed the article about Westfield considering to sell the site now? How committed are Westfield if they are considering pulling out after mothballing it for so long?! People should sign the epetition and demand a formal inquiry on why this was allowed to happen and the effects of surrounding businesses, some of which have been driven out of business!

Would that actually achieve anything?

Yes, I believe we didnt do enough to make the issue with Westfield known with other councils in the country. See how quickly Westfield tried to remove the occupiers. It's all bad press for them, for example Croydon are thinking of getting Westfield to do stuff for them, but looks like they are having doubts due to seeing what Westfield has done to Bradford. If it is known that Westfield has help ruin Bradford, other councils will think twice before choosing them, impose tougher deadline fines etc. This will make it harder for them or more expensive for them to build here. They ruined Bradford, so let's ruin their reputation. And why isnt there an article from the T&A about the chance that Westfield may sell?! This is huge news for the district, it should be front page news with lots of criticism, questions and demands. Why isnt the T&A dong it's job and finding out why the sudden change; were Westfield not committed to Bradford? Why are they now trying to make a runner? Hopefully is they do sell, the council wont pay the £80million ransom Westfield were asking for last time. It should make sure Westfield make a great loss from this, if the council buy it back, buy it at a rock bottom price! (but seeing how inept they are, they will pay whatever Westfield demand).

The potential Westfield sale was mentioned on the T&A website last week but it was buried in a story about how a local MP thinks it will still go ahead. Funnily enough, the story wasn't open to comments. Just another example of the T&A's censorship of stories that don't toe the official "Bradfords wonderful" line.

I notice there is a story about the council asking for views from the public regarding tax payers money.

Funnily it's closed to comments from the public on this website.

The tradex bazzar is another Dale farm in the making. They will be there for so long illegally they end up costing the public millions when someone finally decides to law down the law and move them on.

I travel on a 615 bus to get into Bradford. It used to stop near Channing Way but since City Park evolved, you can only get off (near Bradford) in Thornton Rd at Fulton Street or go right up to the Interchange. So it's quite a hike getting to any shops that actually exist. Keighley is better for me as the shops are right behind the bus station and you have quite a few supermarkets, not to mention a good choice of shops. It's not as hilly as Bradford, either.

Some shops might be a start - I could have told them that for free!

I think it is absolutely right that the Council develops a strategy for our future shopping provision. A lot of damage caused by the Westfield delay, the hasty demolition of Rawson Market and the excessive influx of pound shops and gambling venues needs to be put right. Westfield will address our chronic lack of quality clothing shops but beyond that the next stage should be to revive areas like Ivegate and the Rawson area with a clear plan to encourage specialist independent shops.
Incidentaly, Wakefield's shopping experience has been transformed since the opening of the Trinity Walk shopping centre.

The_Hoff wrote:

Andy2010 wrote: You couldnt make this stuff up if you tried. The calamity of the council would be just plain funny if it wasnt our money they are spending I have money to spend and enjoy shopping. I have lived in Bradford all my life but will never ever go near the city centre not just because there isnt any shops but because of the scum of the earth that are located in and around the town centre. Give me Leeds, Manchester or even Sheffield anyday yes I know Im the problem and if people like myself had supported the traders in the centre it might not have been this way but the town centre is just a chav free for all. Two weeks ago I dropped my daughter reluctantly off at the cineworld complex and escorted her to the cinema only for her to be leered at and called a "white sl*g". not to mention the open drug dealing that was going on outside the bowling and the waft of weed in the air. My daughter is 11 by the way. This just confirms that no matter what you build in Bradford and no matter how much money is spent you cant change the population and with no businesses here (not shops) any efforts to attract major retailors are pointless

You're not much of a parent if you drop off your 11-year old in an area that you're not comfortable with. . I think you need to re-evaluate your responsibilities. . Or it could be that you made the whole thing up in the first place... {rolleyes}

So you would have denied your daughter going to a party for her school friends birthday at 1 in the afternoon

Like I said I even escorted her in.

Should I keep her under lock and key

BD16 wrote:

justjustice wrote:

Albion. wrote:

justjustice wrote: Oh and how come I missed the article about Westfield considering to sell the site now? How committed are Westfield if they are considering pulling out after mothballing it for so long?! People should sign the epetition and demand a formal inquiry on why this was allowed to happen and the effects of surrounding businesses, some of which have been driven out of business!

Would that actually achieve anything?

Yes, I believe we didnt do enough to make the issue with Westfield known with other councils in the country. See how quickly Westfield tried to remove the occupiers. It's all bad press for them, for example Croydon are thinking of getting Westfield to do stuff for them, but looks like they are having doubts due to seeing what Westfield has done to Bradford. If it is known that Westfield has help ruin Bradford, other councils will think twice before choosing them, impose tougher deadline fines etc. This will make it harder for them or more expensive for them to build here. They ruined Bradford, so let's ruin their reputation. And why isnt there an article from the T&A about the chance that Westfield may sell?! This is huge news for the district, it should be front page news with lots of criticism, questions and demands. Why isnt the T&A dong it's job and finding out why the sudden change; were Westfield not committed to Bradford? Why are they now trying to make a runner? Hopefully is they do sell, the council wont pay the £80million ransom Westfield were asking for last time. It should make sure Westfield make a great loss from this, if the council buy it back, buy it at a rock bottom price! (but seeing how inept they are, they will pay whatever Westfield demand).

The potential Westfield sale was mentioned on the T&A website last week but it was buried in a story about how a local MP thinks it will still go ahead. Funnily enough, the story wasn't open to comments. Just another example of the T&A's censorship of stories that don't toe the official "Bradfords wonderful" line.

The story is on the Retail Weekly website including a quote:

In an interview with the Sunday Express co-chief executive of Westfield Steven Lowy said: “We may sell it but it will play out in a way which pleases the people of Bradford.”

I have no idea why the Daily Express are reporting on this, but it's not a major story in the T&A!
As I said in another thread, they're too busy doing stories about minor crime in the BRI car park.

Andy2010 wrote:

The_Hoff wrote:

Andy2010 wrote: You couldnt make this stuff up if you tried. The calamity of the council would be just plain funny if it wasnt our money they are spending I have money to spend and enjoy shopping. I have lived in Bradford all my life but will never ever go near the city centre not just because there isnt any shops but because of the scum of the earth that are located in and around the town centre. Give me Leeds, Manchester or even Sheffield anyday yes I know Im the problem and if people like myself had supported the traders in the centre it might not have been this way but the town centre is just a chav free for all. Two weeks ago I dropped my daughter reluctantly off at the cineworld complex and escorted her to the cinema only for her to be leered at and called a "white sl*g". not to mention the open drug dealing that was going on outside the bowling and the waft of weed in the air. My daughter is 11 by the way. This just confirms that no matter what you build in Bradford and no matter how much money is spent you cant change the population and with no businesses here (not shops) any efforts to attract major retailors are pointless

You're not much of a parent if you drop off your 11-year old in an area that you're not comfortable with. . I think you need to re-evaluate your responsibilities. . Or it could be that you made the whole thing up in the first place... {rolleyes}

So you would have denied your daughter going to a party for her school friends birthday at 1 in the afternoon Like I said I even escorted her in. Should I keep her under lock and key

like a lot of bradfordians do with their daughters!!

glue ear wrote:

Andy2010 wrote:

The_Hoff wrote:

Andy2010 wrote: You couldnt make this stuff up if you tried. The calamity of the council would be just plain funny if it wasnt our money they are spending I have money to spend and enjoy shopping. I have lived in Bradford all my life but will never ever go near the city centre not just because there isnt any shops but because of the scum of the earth that are located in and around the town centre. Give me Leeds, Manchester or even Sheffield anyday yes I know Im the problem and if people like myself had supported the traders in the centre it might not have been this way but the town centre is just a chav free for all. Two weeks ago I dropped my daughter reluctantly off at the cineworld complex and escorted her to the cinema only for her to be leered at and called a "white sl*g". not to mention the open drug dealing that was going on outside the bowling and the waft of weed in the air. My daughter is 11 by the way. This just confirms that no matter what you build in Bradford and no matter how much money is spent you cant change the population and with no businesses here (not shops) any efforts to attract major retailors are pointless

You're not much of a parent if you drop off your 11-year old in an area that you're not comfortable with. . I think you need to re-evaluate your responsibilities. . Or it could be that you made the whole thing up in the first place... {rolleyes}

So you would have denied your daughter going to a party for her school friends birthday at 1 in the afternoon Like I said I even escorted her in. Should I keep her under lock and key

like a lot of bradfordians do with their daughters!!

30 years ago I wouldn't have a problem with this. Now you just don't know what people are carrying, guns, knive etc. unfortunatey this is what Bradfords has become.

Maybe the council should look at why Keighley is now a better place to shop ow.

I don't agree that the city park was a waste of money. You only have to go down there on a sunny day to see families enjoying it.

One of the problems Bradford has is that Leeds is too close...which of course is something that can't be changed. Therefore Bradford needs to offer something different...which doesn't include big shopping malls.

15 yrs ago Bradford was on par with Leeds, it had individual shops which offered something different....in the same way Skipton and Keighley do.

BD16 wrote:

a reasonable sort of chap wrote:
Retail is screwed, no one has any money to spend, we don't need any more shops.

Try going to Leeds one Saturday and see the crowds there. They are opening another shopping centre early next year as well.

I really don't know what it is that people think they need to buy. I can get most things I need in Bradford, and anything else can easily be obtained via the internet, so we definitely don't need any more shops, apart from perhaps some more unique kinds of independent little shops for such items as vegan shoes and occult books, which would be nice and save me from getting them elsewhere.

a reasonable sort of chap wrote:

BD16 wrote:

a reasonable sort of chap wrote: Retail is screwed, no one has any money to spend, we don't need any more shops.

Try going to Leeds one Saturday and see the crowds there. They are opening another shopping centre early next year as well.

I really don't know what it is that people think they need to buy. I can get most things I need in Bradford, and anything else can easily be obtained via the internet, so we definitely don't need any more shops, apart from perhaps some more unique kinds of independent little shops for such items as vegan shoes and occult books, which would be nice and save me from getting them elsewhere.

I'm sorry but vegan shoes and occult books aren't going to pull the masses in. They are products better served by the internet.

No matter what you, me or any one else thinks, people do feel the need to shop and many town and city centres, plus retail parks, up and down the country prove that. Perhaps people are just different to you.

Z.Raja wrote:
I salute the courage of the owner of Tradex Bazaar who is openly defying the closing order and has successfully snatched business from the legal businesses in the city by offering stalls for £55 per week all inclusive and concealed the ID of all stall holders and the Council is helpless at his hands. He has successfully robbed the city legal businesses and no wonder more than 50 percent businesses will close in next few months adding to the beauty of the Bradford City. The only hindrance for successful retail business is the entire management of Bradford Council. They deserve to be lined in dole cue.

It could always catch fire accidentally again. Let's face it, there won't be a danger to life as all the stringent safety protocols will be adhered to, everyone will get out safely, emergency lighting is fully functional, all employees/stall holders know the drills.

Sickening, idiotic statement you have made there and I'm sure many local and town centre business owners wish the fire or worse, a full blown explosion took Tradex out of the equatiuon altogether.

Will they be using interpreters when conducting their study as most of bradfords shoppers dont seem to speak english !!!

a reasonable sort of chap wrote:

BD16 wrote:

a reasonable sort of chap wrote: Retail is screwed, no one has any money to spend, we don't need any more shops.

Try going to Leeds one Saturday and see the crowds there. They are opening another shopping centre early next year as well.

I really don't know what it is that people think they need to buy. I can get most things I need in Bradford, and anything else can easily be obtained via the internet, so we definitely don't need any more shops, apart from perhaps some more unique kinds of independent little shops for such items as vegan shoes and occult books, which would be nice and save me from getting them elsewhere.

Does Bradford have Harvey Nics, Vivienne Westwood, House of Fraser, a vibrant light complex, corn exchange for "different" shops, numerous restaurents (apart from curry houses), a lively and safe club / bar scene, safe and reliable train station, regulated taxi's, concert venues to name a few

Vegan shoes lol

Andy2010 wrote:

a reasonable sort of chap wrote:

BD16 wrote:

a reasonable sort of chap wrote: Retail is screwed, no one has any money to spend, we don't need any more shops.

Try going to Leeds one Saturday and see the crowds there. They are opening another shopping centre early next year as well.

I really don't know what it is that people think they need to buy. I can get most things I need in Bradford, and anything else can easily be obtained via the internet, so we definitely don't need any more shops, apart from perhaps some more unique kinds of independent little shops for such items as vegan shoes and occult books, which would be nice and save me from getting them elsewhere.

Does Bradford have Harvey Nics, Vivienne Westwood, House of Fraser, a vibrant light complex, corn exchange for "different" shops, numerous restaurents (apart from curry houses), a lively and safe club / bar scene, safe and reliable train station, regulated taxi's, concert venues to name a few Vegan shoes lol

It has 2 Nando's which puts it up there with the creme de la creme of places to eat.

cragender wrote:
Has the man in the photograph sold all his Big Issues

Still laughing. Thanks for this Cragender!

Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

Well 20 yrs ago it was the other way round wasn't it.

Wife who works in town just nipped out for a cig break and watched a 'deal' take place between a car with two young asian lads in and a young white female, the content of the bag handed over was green in colour so assuming it is some form of 'grass'.

With this sort of blight and respect for the law in young people from all corners of our city what hope is there ever for progression.
Also the Tradex comments above, once again, why trade legally when you can trade illegally for a fraction of the cost and have little fear of being challenged or closed down.

thatsnotmyname wrote:

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

Well 20 yrs ago it was the other way round wasn't it.

Not from me it wasn't! I could never fancy a woman who spits and has a beard and dresses in a way that someone long dead demands.

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:
Wife who works in town just nipped out for a cig break and watched a 'deal' take place between a car with two young asian lads in and a young white female, the content of the bag handed over was green in colour so assuming it is some form of 'grass'.

With this sort of blight and respect for the law in young people from all corners of our city what hope is there ever for progression.
Also the Tradex comments above, once again, why trade legally when you can trade illegally for a fraction of the cost and have little fear of being challenged or closed down.

Selling weed goes on in every city, town, village....even the posh ones.

thatsnotmyname wrote:

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:
Wife who works in town just nipped out for a cig break and watched a 'deal' take place between a car with two young asian lads in and a young white female, the content of the bag handed over was green in colour so assuming it is some form of 'grass'.

With this sort of blight and respect for the law in young people from all corners of our city what hope is there ever for progression.
Also the Tradex comments above, once again, why trade legally when you can trade illegally for a fraction of the cost and have little fear of being challenged or closed down.

Selling weed goes on in every city, town, village....even the posh ones.

In broad daylight, outside the one main shopping mall Bradford has with no fear of being seen/caught? I am fully aware of how the drug scene operates but this was a pull up at the kerb and an open handed pass of money and drugs. You're telling me that this would be seen outside Bond Street in Leeds? The Arndale in Manchester? So wide open? Not a chance.

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:
Wife who works in town just nipped out for a cig break and watched a 'deal' take place between a car with two young asian lads in and a young white female, the content of the bag handed over was green in colour so assuming it is some form of 'grass'.

With this sort of blight and respect for the law in young people from all corners of our city what hope is there ever for progression.
Also the Tradex comments above, once again, why trade legally when you can trade illegally for a fraction of the cost and have little fear of being challenged or closed down.

Yes, because White folk don't do drugs {rolleyes}

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

If an Asian or Black woman was to go into a White-dominated shopping area, I'm sure the result would be the same.

The_Hoff wrote:

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:
Wife who works in town just nipped out for a cig break and watched a 'deal' take place between a car with two young asian lads in and a young white female, the content of the bag handed over was green in colour so assuming it is some form of 'grass'.

With this sort of blight and respect for the law in young people from all corners of our city what hope is there ever for progression.
Also the Tradex comments above, once again, why trade legally when you can trade illegally for a fraction of the cost and have little fear of being challenged or closed down.

Yes, because White folk don't do drugs {rolleyes}

Why do you keep rolling your eyes are you spaced out or something,i take it that your one of those who takes drugs that you rerer to (rolleyes) !!!

I love going into town on a Saturday afternoon,the wonderful shops the nice people just everybody having a wonderful time.Then I wake up and go to work to pay my taxes for all the bums that do actually shop in Bradford on a Saturday afternoon.

The_Hoff wrote:

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

If an Asian or Black woman was to go into a White-dominated shopping area, I'm sure the result would be the same.

It's not just racism, these kids have no respect for anyone but themselves. They mouth off cos they know you cannot touch them.

They are just feral dogs, on their own they hide away and be quiet, but get two or more of them together, they'll pick on smaller groups of people, be it white, black or other asians.

The main problem here is the lack or parenting.
This then followed by the police who can no longer be bothered arresting youths due to:
The justice system having a rotating door on their courts.

Previous correspondents have got it right. Few people shop in Bradford because there are very few interesting shops, the shops there are are all spread out thinly between boarded up shops, pound shops, betting shops, charity shops and you have to walk long distances,and up a steep hill between the few shops there are. Gradually the shops that I have used in the past close and each month that goes by makes there less point in shopping in Bradford. True also there are some very unpleasant young people hanging about and that makes shoppers feel insecure and unsafe. The only way to improve the shopping areas would be to get rid of the spitting, foul mouthed youth, who seem like they are hanging about to thieve bags purses or phones.The £40,000 will be wasted, because short of a few machine guns and hoses to get rid of these undesirable hordes from the streets, there is no real answer. We could have told you what was wrong with Bradford's shopping if you had only asked us.

justjustice wrote:

The_Hoff wrote:

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

If an Asian or Black woman was to go into a White-dominated shopping area, I'm sure the result would be the same.

It's not just racism, these kids have no respect for anyone but themselves. They mouth off cos they know you cannot touch them.

They are just feral dogs, on their own they hide away and be quiet, but get two or more of them together, they'll pick on smaller groups of people, be it white, black or other asians.

The main problem here is the lack or parenting.
This then followed by the police who can no longer be bothered arresting youths due to:
The justice system having a rotating door on their courts.

I notice we never got a follow-up story on the people accused of assaulting the 'superhero' charity collectors in City Park.
They were meant to be reappearing in court last week. No doubt they've both been given a slap on the wrist.

Thee Voice of Reason wrote:

Andy2010 wrote:

a reasonable sort of chap wrote:

BD16 wrote:

a reasonable sort of chap wrote: Retail is screwed, no one has any money to spend, we don't need any more shops.

Try going to Leeds one Saturday and see the crowds there. They are opening another shopping centre early next year as well.

I really don't know what it is that people think they need to buy. I can get most things I need in Bradford, and anything else can easily be obtained via the internet, so we definitely don't need any more shops, apart from perhaps some more unique kinds of independent little shops for such items as vegan shoes and occult books, which would be nice and save me from getting them elsewhere.

Does Bradford have Harvey Nics, Vivienne Westwood, House of Fraser, a vibrant light complex, corn exchange for "different" shops, numerous restaurents (apart from curry houses), a lively and safe club / bar scene, safe and reliable train station, regulated taxi's, concert venues to name a few Vegan shoes lol

It has 2 Nando's which puts it up there with the creme de la creme of places to eat.

Probably just as well as I wouldn't have thought vegan shoes taste very nice

THIS IS PART OF THE REASON FOR NOT GOING INTO BRADFORD.
Cameras were installed in Bradford city centre on Market Street, Nelson Street and Bridge Street and around Shipley Market Square in 2010 and saw a 90 per cent drop in motorists flouting the rules.

In the first three weeks of the cameras being turned on, a total of 16,400 tickets were issued to motorists illegally entering Market Street and Bridge Street.

This was equivalent to a minimum of nearly £500,000. IN 3 WEEKS.
I HAVE SPOKEN TO NUMEROUS PEOPLE WHO TELL ME THAT THEY NEVER GO INTO BRADFORD BECAUSE IT COSTS TOO MUCH IN TIME, MONEY, PETROL, PARKING , YELLOW LINES, TRAFFIC WARDENS, CAMERA TRAPS, SPEED BUMPS, POT HOLES AND HASSLE.

Would that be the same set of toss-pot experts who stated that the City Park would generate up to 80 million in events money which has yet to materialise?

Considering that Westfiled now have in mind to sell the hole in the ground, David Green and his cohorts would be better off investing their time and efforts into a plan B as a matter of urgency. Because as sure as night follows day, Westfield won't be building on that site!

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:

thatsnotmyname wrote:

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:
Wife who works in town just nipped out for a cig break and watched a 'deal' take place between a car with two young asian lads in and a young white female, the content of the bag handed over was green in colour so assuming it is some form of 'grass'.

With this sort of blight and respect for the law in young people from all corners of our city what hope is there ever for progression.
Also the Tradex comments above, once again, why trade legally when you can trade illegally for a fraction of the cost and have little fear of being challenged or closed down.

Selling weed goes on in every city, town, village....even the posh ones.

In broad daylight, outside the one main shopping mall Bradford has with no fear of being seen/caught? I am fully aware of how the drug scene operates but this was a pull up at the kerb and an open handed pass of money and drugs. You're telling me that this would be seen outside Bond Street in Leeds? The Arndale in Manchester? So wide open? Not a chance.

You either don't go to these places or walk around looking at the sky. Of course it does. The only difference is that there are more people in those areas so its not as obvious.

@TheHoff, read my post again. I emphatically stated the colour of the 'doer' in this instance. I wasn't making a racially discriminating comment, I made a comment on the blight that is open drug dealing.

I am aware that there are multi ethnic drug users and pushers, I make no discrimination once again on which side of the fence these two groups sit. I just think a harder approach is required. No matter how beautiful a city centre, shopping area we have it won't get used if the current crop of rogues wandering round the town are still in situ.

Can I have an apology now please or at least an admission you're a bigot and only see things from one point of view? Thought not. Bigot.

What do we want? Buy a train ticket to Leeds. There you go £39,996 saved. Face facts you will never get folk with money back to Bradford shopping.

it is so sad to read the T&A.
i moved away from bfd 6yrs ago and have never looked back,i now live in a lovely town that reminds me so much of bradford in its hey day, parking in the town where i live is free for the first 2 hours, the shops are plentyfull and the people are nice hard working people. i still have parents that live in bradford but they seem to be spending more and more time with me, the way bradford council have destroyed the city along with drug dealers and feral animals is disgusting,and somebody should be held to account for what has happened to the once great city.
it has had it now there is no turning back for bradford, until the whole city of hard working bradfordians take it back from the people that are ruining it for the rest.

thatsnotmyname wrote:

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

Well 20 yrs ago it was the other way round wasn't it.

Oh no it wasn't!

talk-talk wrote:
it is so sad to read the T&A.
i moved away from bfd 6yrs ago and have never looked back,i now live in a lovely town that reminds me so much of bradford in its hey day, parking in the town where i live is free for the first 2 hours, the shops are plentyfull and the people are nice hard working people. i still have parents that live in bradford but they seem to be spending more and more time with me, the way bradford council have destroyed the city along with drug dealers and feral animals is disgusting,and somebody should be held to account for what has happened to the once great city.
it has had it now there is no turning back for bradford, until the whole city of hard working bradfordians take it back from the people that are ruining it for the rest.

Well said.

talk-talk wrote:
it is so sad to read the T&A.
i moved away from bfd 6yrs ago and have never looked back,i now live in a lovely town that reminds me so much of bradford in its hey day, parking in the town where i live is free for the first 2 hours, the shops are plentyfull and the people are nice hard working people. i still have parents that live in bradford but they seem to be spending more and more time with me, the way bradford council have destroyed the city along with drug dealers and feral animals is disgusting,and somebody should be held to account for what has happened to the once great city.
it has had it now there is no turning back for bradford, until the whole city of hard working bradfordians take it back from the people that are ruining it for the rest.

Well said.

Until the town center of Bradford turns back into an English feeling town center with English feeling culture they will never get us ordinary people back. We want to feel at home and relaxed while shopping in our own country, we want to feel comfortable enough to wander round and enjoy the shopping experience and sit and have a spot of lunch but this does not happen in Bradford. I don't wish to be surrounded by a sea of black Hi-jabs or burkas or gangs of rude racist boys acting all hard and "gansta like" in front of each other or young orange coloured mums swearing at their poor offspring with their bodies hanging out of their too tight jeans and mucky looking tee shirts. I don't want to be abused by feral rats as many people seem to be these days. I don't wish to mix with unkempt unhygienic menacing criminals and that is how it actually feels journeying to the town center these days.
Until the police, council and other officials tidy up the streets of Bradford of the vermin and drug dealers etc. and that means all colours by the way and makes it a more pleasant relaxing experience, no one decent or monied will go back to shopping there. It is the most awful experience of shopping I have ever witnessed and it used to be so nice. I have been to many town centers but none I have ever experienced except some markets abroad have ever felt so intimidating or risky. How dare criminals flaunt their law breaking in the public eye such as the drug dealers and the likes of Tradex and this just shows how low Bradford really has sunk. There should be police patrolling all day long dealing with the miscreants and scruffs moving them along etc.

Anyone who doesn't see it the way I do must have pretty low standards to be honest or maybe they have been brainwashed by the local rag into think it is normal. It really is not normal.

there is no point in spending all that money! i spent so much money in my shop in BRADFORD city centre and all must customers are driven away by traffic wardens ticketing everyone!... they dont want to help business they want to drive BUSINESS AWAY! CUSTOMERS GET TICKETED EVEN THEY HAVE A TICKET! when we ask why? no EXPLAINATION.. just APPEAL ON THE BACK!

i pay for my customers to park outside now and i still get penalised for it!! Im trying to boost my business but how can i? NO help from council... wrote to them many times.. traffic wardens howling every single day!

baildon boy wrote:
If ever an article proves that the council in bradford are devoid of any intelligence whatsoever and clearly must live in a world far far away this is it.
I will spell it out as clearly as I can, what bradford needs is a shopping centre not a whole in the city centre.

if you are going to spell it out for us all, learn to spell.
"not a whole in the centre"?
ITS HOLE !!!!!

bingleybantam wrote:
What do we want? Buy a train ticket to Leeds. There you go £39,996 saved. Face facts you will never get folk with money back to Bradford shopping.

You might be surprised. Wakefield had a run down city centre full of pound shops and chavs but since the opening of their new shopping centre there has been a marked change. Better off people have clearly returned in numbers and the whole shopping experience is not dissimilar to Leeds.

birday wrote:

thatsnotmyname wrote:

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

Well 20 yrs ago it was the other way round wasn't it.

Oh no it wasn't!

Are you Billy Pearce?

i hate bradford wrote:
Until the town center of Bradford turns back into an English feeling town center with English feeling culture they will never get us ordinary people back. We want to feel at home and relaxed while shopping in our own country, we want to feel comfortable enough to wander round and enjoy the shopping experience and sit and have a spot of lunch but this does not happen in Bradford. I don't wish to be surrounded by a sea of black Hi-jabs or burkas or gangs of rude racist boys acting all hard and "gansta like" in front of each other or young orange coloured mums swearing at their poor offspring with their bodies hanging out of their too tight jeans and mucky looking tee shirts. I don't want to be abused by feral rats as many people seem to be these days. I don't wish to mix with unkempt unhygienic menacing criminals and that is how it actually feels journeying to the town center these days.
Until the police, council and other officials tidy up the streets of Bradford of the vermin and drug dealers etc. and that means all colours by the way and makes it a more pleasant relaxing experience, no one decent or monied will go back to shopping there. It is the most awful experience of shopping I have ever witnessed and it used to be so nice. I have been to many town centers but none I have ever experienced except some markets abroad have ever felt so intimidating or risky. How dare criminals flaunt their law breaking in the public eye such as the drug dealers and the likes of Tradex and this just shows how low Bradford really has sunk. There should be police patrolling all day long dealing with the miscreants and scruffs moving them along etc.

Anyone who doesn't see it the way I do must have pretty low standards to be honest or maybe they have been brainwashed by the local rag into think it is normal. It really is not normal.

They wont tidy that up! That's what the city now is and that's why all the surrounding towns and cities are doing better.

i hate bradford wrote:
Until the town center of Bradford turns back into an English feeling town center with English feeling culture they will never get us ordinary people back. We want to feel at home and relaxed while shopping in our own country, we want to feel comfortable enough to wander round and enjoy the shopping experience and sit and have a spot of lunch but this does not happen in Bradford. I don't wish to be surrounded by a sea of black Hi-jabs or burkas or gangs of rude racist boys acting all hard and "gansta like" in front of each other or young orange coloured mums swearing at their poor offspring with their bodies hanging out of their too tight jeans and mucky looking tee shirts. I don't want to be abused by feral rats as many people seem to be these days. I don't wish to mix with unkempt unhygienic menacing criminals and that is how it actually feels journeying to the town center these days.
Until the police, council and other officials tidy up the streets of Bradford of the vermin and drug dealers etc. and that means all colours by the way and makes it a more pleasant relaxing experience, no one decent or monied will go back to shopping there. It is the most awful experience of shopping I have ever witnessed and it used to be so nice. I have been to many town centers but none I have ever experienced except some markets abroad have ever felt so intimidating or risky. How dare criminals flaunt their law breaking in the public eye such as the drug dealers and the likes of Tradex and this just shows how low Bradford really has sunk. There should be police patrolling all day long dealing with the miscreants and scruffs moving them along etc.

Anyone who doesn't see it the way I do must have pretty low standards to be honest or maybe they have been brainwashed by the local rag into think it is normal. It really is not normal.

well, we won't miss you.

thatsnotmyname wrote:

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:

thatsnotmyname wrote:

Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:
Wife who works in town just nipped out for a cig break and watched a 'deal' take place between a car with two young asian lads in and a young white female, the content of the bag handed over was green in colour so assuming it is some form of 'grass'.

With this sort of blight and respect for the law in young people from all corners of our city what hope is there ever for progression.
Also the Tradex comments above, once again, why trade legally when you can trade illegally for a fraction of the cost and have little fear of being challenged or closed down.

Selling weed goes on in every city, town, village....even the posh ones.

In broad daylight, outside the one main shopping mall Bradford has with no fear of being seen/caught? I am fully aware of how the drug scene operates but this was a pull up at the kerb and an open handed pass of money and drugs. You're telling me that this would be seen outside Bond Street in Leeds? The Arndale in Manchester? So wide open? Not a chance.

You either don't go to these places or walk around looking at the sky. Of course it does. The only difference is that there are more people in those areas so its not as obvious.

I do and it doesn't. I have never seen a car pull up in broad daylight and openly pass a quite visible bag with the contents visible. The closest I have seen to this openness is around the King's Cross area in London where just about anything is purchasable from a tenner bag of green to a night with a young boy all going om under the eyes of the transport and regular police. That is due to the business of the area, not as you stupidly suggest the reason it isn't visible in Leeds/Manchester/Wak
efield.

You are an apologist of the worst kind and until you and you're kind are eradicated we won't go forward as a city either.

http://www.thetelegr
aphandargus.co.uk/ne
ws/9875769.Court_act
ion_move_on____illeg
al____market/ How ironic.

Daves changed his style of posing.Can't quite see his earring and the brown shoes.He looks very imposing with his arms crossed and the background full of happy shoppers.

The LDP unfortunately has to be informed by actual evidence (i.e. a large enough collection of opinions and data from a representative sample of the wider Bradford demographics, alongside other evidence of retail and leisure trends and patterns) from people so that future patterns can be predicted for the next 10-15 years. However, my own opinion is that the situation is quite complex, but a significant factor people avoid Bradford is it's 'down at heel' feel - factors contributing to this include the over dominance of 'low-end' retail outlets (e.g the pound shops, charity shops etc), the lack of independent 'niche' shops (e.g. the 'one-off' boutiques, specialist shops, art/culture/music venues etc); the lack of quality/trendy/moder
n eateries/cafes/coffe
e shops in the city centre - there is a distinct lack of independent outlets other than the usual fast food/mass produced food outlets and chains (this also includes a lack of diversity among the type of food outlets - a more balanced mix I would say would be, say mexican, african, carribean, italian, french, Scandinavian etc that other more cosmopolitan cities have). Furthermore, there is a distinct impression that Bradford city is dominated and overly influenced by South Asian outlets. For a part of the city to have a dominant presence of this culture in its outlets is fine, but for the city as a whole to become dominated I believe narrows the different groups of people the city centre will attract. Furthermore, there is a lack of employment in and near the city centre, with Bradford's current 'downtrodden' feel failing to attract employers to locate here. All I can say is that it is probably best for Bradford to try and establish more of a 'niche' for itself by focusing on developing the creative industries side of things. This usually attracts a more liberal bohemian crowd which is seen as desirable and 'trendy' (and something the overly chain dominated, bland Leeds lacks!) Also, maybe it is time for Bradford to move away from it's very 1990's approach of trying to create its niche on the outdated notion of 'a centre of multiculturalism'. In my opinion, it actually has failed to create true 'multi' (i.e. many) culturalism and has infact simply over-focused on South Asian culture at the expense of ignoring the other significant cultural groups that exist in the city (e.g Polish, West Indian, Italian, Chinese, Irish etc). Additionally, a look at the events calendar of other cities show that city centre events take place for St Patrick's day, Chinese New Year, Italian Saint days, West Indian Carnivals etc making them more balance, representative and cosmopolitan rather than 'multicultural', attracting a wider, more diverse range of people. Bring on the Boho's/creative/ media types and a more representative cultural influence...

PS Forgot to say, Bradford also has a pretty crap Uni which doesn't help either. Look at other cities with a far more vibrant student presence and see how those areas have thrived with a local economy built around student influenced leisure/retail hubs. In other cities, it is often the student areas that are the seen as the 'upcoming' 'trendy' and vibrant areas where people want to live and/or spend their leisure time. Erm, where is Bradford's 'student' area? I think I must have missed it when I blinked...

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

Sadly, I actually agree with this comment. I believe Bradford has allowed an over dominance of South Asian influence to a point where some young people from South Asian background behave in a way which they simply would not do had the city centre developed a more balanced cultural influence. The bahaviour can be quite hostile and I believe it simply adds to greater segregation. Although some members of the South Asian community may feel 'safer' or more comfortable in a city centre in which South Asian culture dominates, it does need to be recognised that this is also creating problems. Sadly, I do believe there has developed an insular and sometimes almost arrogant attitude among some members of the South Asian community towards those of other cultures. Although I would not say Bradford is actually a significantly dangerous place in terms of the risk of violence, there is too much 'anti-social' (as opposed to pro-social) behaviour. So I do not doubt that craig-john did experience this.

Finally, in response to:
"Businesses, including market traders, will be formally invited to respond to a series of questions seeking to discover what hinders their trading performance, future requirements and desires and what improvements are needed for the area to thrive"...

Don't bother with the market traders, they havn't got a clue! I've frustratingly tried to discuss the issue of trying to reverse the decline in market trade with traders at both Oastler and Bingley and the overall impression I got was that the market traders are ill-informed of the wider issues, cynical of anything different other than what they know, and generally negative with an unjustified tendency to attribute all blame to market management. Furthermore they have a lack of ability to embrace change and diversify to meet changing trends and needs, preferring to stick to a concept and vision of how the traditional markets were years ago. In my opinion, yes, market management do clearly seem to lack a future vision for each of their markets and again, do seem to overly rely on the 'traditional' market model for inspiration, but the traders also in part need to take some responsibility in not being pro-active themselves and being able to 'think outside the box' and diversify. Any business that fails to adapt to changing trends and needs is unlikely to thrive. Markets need to look at the success of more urban areas such as London and Manchester to see how they have adapted their approaches to market trading. There is a need to attract to younger demographic to the markets as well as the more 'traditional' market shoppers.

keighleyg2 wrote:

craig_John wrote:
Well one of the facts that nobody ventures into what once was a great city is because of the way the young Asian community think its ok to spit, speak to white woman like crap. My wife has vowed not to go into town anymore for those two reasons alone. She has been called several names including white B**** for no reason whatsoever and this is not me been racist against Asians this is unfortunately the truth. It is not safe for women in our city. She has been followed by groups of Asians in cars and shouted at on her lunch break, all kinds of stuff not really to be put on here. The town is a disgrace and its more the people that are in it rather than the lack of shops.

Sadly, I actually agree with this comment. I believe Bradford has allowed an over dominance of South Asian influence to a point where some young people from South Asian background behave in a way which they simply would not do had the city centre developed a more balanced cultural influence. The bahaviour can be quite hostile and I believe it simply adds to greater segregation. Although some members of the South Asian community may feel 'safer' or more comfortable in a city centre in which South Asian culture dominates, it does need to be recognised that this is also creating problems. Sadly, I do believe there has developed an insular and sometimes almost arrogant attitude among some members of the South Asian community towards those of other cultures. Although I would not say Bradford is actually a significantly dangerous place in terms of the risk of violence, there is too much 'anti-social' (as opposed to pro-social) behaviour. So I do not doubt that craig-john did experience this.

Bradford has a big problem in general. I was brought up in Newby square (West Bowling) back in the day and that was notorious in Bradford in its hey day. The majority of people were Afro Caribbean but as a young white male I felt a lot safer than I would do now venturing there. I spent many a good year in West Bowling and met some fantastic people along the way, most of who I still see and speak to. Asian, Afro Caribbean and other cultures. Something went wrong about 10 years ago, an influx of up and coming young people came of age and thought it was great to start selling drugs, thieving things that did not belong to them and it went down hill from there. If there was a problem 10 years ago even in the so called rough areas of Bradford, 99% of the time it was settled with a fist fight, now it is guns. The town center is the pits, Manningham, Leeds Road etc I would not venture after 6pm. Speaking with several Asian and Afro Caribbean friends all aged over 30 and they agree that today's youth is worrying. Regardless of colour or ethnic background these young people are pretty much the same. I have had over 10 young people from Job Centre work experience schemes sent to us in the last few months and not one of them have got a clue. They don't turn in Fridays, at all,as they have been out Thursday night, they arrive late for work daily, they come dressed like they have slept in their clothes. No pride in appearance, no thinking that there would be a good job at the end of the experience if I get my head down. Simply Lazy! and think the world owe them a living. I can only blame bad parenting and after been brought up in one of the roughest areas of Bradford I can safely say that its not about where you were brought up its how you were brought up. We never had money or the latest clothes etc but what we did know was what was right and wrong. I now have a very successful business and employ Bradford people. All of different heritage. The council have wasted millions on schemes that do not work, simple as that. They build houses in run down areas but put the same people that run the area down straight back into a new homes and the viscous circle continues. It used to be that certain races where well known for doing dodgy things in Bradford and unfortunately these days it seems to be just the one (Asian).
Every day I read the paper and there are Asian youths and older (occasionally) getting sent down for drugs, prostitution rings, guns and the list could go on. I am not saying it is 100% Asian but I would put all my money on it being over 90% which is tragic really. The police do nothing at all so these people think they can rule the streets and suspended sentences and community orders. Please! how is that going to deter them from doing it again, and again and again. I cannot wait to leave the city that I once loved and felt safe in.

Haven't we all just left Bradford to rot and handed it over to the lowest common denominator. It's all over forget the surveys, the city is finished, terminal.

Bradford has been in decline for decades, there have been various grand schemes that have never come to fruition but seem to have cost a lot in management fees and only make Bradford look stupid.The city centre is full of Pound shops, empty units, charity shops and fast food take aways. What we need is a good mix of all types of shop for the city. Pinning our hopes on a shopping centre that will never be is not good enough. The leaders of this city past and present should be ashamed of themselves for the way they have allowed this city to go down the toilet. Encouraging business by offering free parking and having roads that you can access Bradford easily and making the place look more attractive for people to visit will help. Ensuring horses for travellers are removed from the verges and clearing rubbish dumped all help to make the city a more inviting place to people visiting for the first time aswell as all those Bradfordians who are despair at the way this City is going.
I've been in retail for 25 years and the way Bradford looks and is run at the moment there is no way I would open a business in a place where there the leaders are interested in one thing- themselves. Save yourself 40K and get off your fat behinds and actually do what you are paid for!

Forty-thousand pounds, I thought, was quite cheap. A chance to include the citizens of Bradford in the accumulated demographics. The completed Westfield project would produce empty shop spaces. To get an idea of what that looks like why not visit Market Street.

1914/18 and 1939/45 We lost a generation. High time we lost another generation looking at the sub human youth in our cities. Can`t read,can`t write, can`t string a sentence together without: a mean, you know, kinda, sorta like, ma music etc.
No respect, no manners, no idea, waste of space morons running wild in our cities.If we brought back National Service 95% could not hack it.Ship them to the colony`s!

1914/18 and 1939/45 We lost a generation. High time we lost another generation looking at the sub human youth in our cities. Can`t read,can`t write, can`t string a sentence together without: a mean, you know, kinda, sorta like, ma music etc.
No respect, no manners, no idea, waste of space morons running wild in our cities.If we brought back National Service 95% could not hack it.Ship them to the colony`s!

1914/18 and 1939/45 We lost a generation. High time we lost another generation looking at the sub human youth in our cities. Can`t read,can`t write, can`t string a sentence together without: a mean, you know, kinda, sorta like, ma music etc.
No respect, no manners, no idea, waste of space morons running wild in our cities.If we brought back National Service 95% could not hack it.Ship them to the colony`s!

...I'm sorry, what was the question again?

keighleyg2 wrote:
PS Forgot to say, Bradford also has a pretty crap Uni which doesn't help either. Look at other cities with a far more vibrant student presence and see how those areas have thrived with a local economy built around student influenced leisure/retail hubs. In other cities, it is often the student areas that are the seen as the 'upcoming' 'trendy' and vibrant areas where people want to live and/or spend their leisure time. Erm, where is Bradford's 'student' area? I think I must have missed it when I blinked...

I wouldn't say Bradford uni was crap, but it doesn't really have any specialism in any arts courses - which probably had a detriment on the wider city.

yorkshiredude wrote:

keighleyg2 wrote:
PS Forgot to say, Bradford also has a pretty crap Uni which doesn't help either. Look at other cities with a far more vibrant student presence and see how those areas have thrived with a local economy built around student influenced leisure/retail hubs. In other cities, it is often the student areas that are the seen as the 'upcoming' 'trendy' and vibrant areas where people want to live and/or spend their leisure time. Erm, where is Bradford's 'student' area? I think I must have missed it when I blinked...

I wouldn't say Bradford uni was crap, but it doesn't really have any specialism in any arts courses - which probably had a detriment on the wider city.

http://artdesign.bra
dfordcollege.ac.uk/m
ain.php There is of course this.

yorkshiredude wrote:

keighleyg2 wrote:
PS Forgot to say, Bradford also has a pretty crap Uni which doesn't help either. Look at other cities with a far more vibrant student presence and see how those areas have thrived with a local economy built around student influenced leisure/retail hubs. In other cities, it is often the student areas that are the seen as the 'upcoming' 'trendy' and vibrant areas where people want to live and/or spend their leisure time. Erm, where is Bradford's 'student' area? I think I must have missed it when I blinked...

I wouldn't say Bradford uni was crap, but it doesn't really have any specialism in any arts courses - which probably had a detriment on the wider city.

I don't know what you're talking about, Bradford Uni/College has a great range of Arts courses. It is also well known for its other courses too, such as the world famous Peace Studies course, and Archaeology, amongst others.

There is a future for shopping in the high street, as this survey will probably show. Prices online are often quite high in comparison to shops. It's always worth shopping around before buying. On one occasion I bought an item that was fifteen pounds less than the online price. It all adds up.

I was in Bradford city centre on Saturday and noticed that there seems to be more pawn shops springing up. Have they got some sort of deal going with the betting shops?

So this company have been working for the council since 2007? Well bearing in mind thee 'improvements since then by 2015 It'll be 1/3 pound shops, 1/3 betting shops and 1/3 empty. Have you learned nothing? And you're releasing this as if it's good news? If I was a cynic I'd be wondering who in the council has links with this company.

Commonsensefirst wrote:
There is a future for shopping in the high street, as this survey will probably show. Prices online are often quite high in comparison to shops. It's always worth shopping around before buying. On one occasion I bought an item that was fifteen pounds less than the online price. It all adds up.

Really? One of the things I would buy in Bradford is Nag Champa incense, but whereas I'd pay £1.70 per pack in town, I can get 12 packs for £8.50 delivered on the net, less than half the price. Likewise with Hemp Protein (another regular purchase), less than half the price via the internet. It certainly does all add up!