AN important visitor to the offices of the Telegraph & Argus last week commented: “I haven’t been here for years but all you hear about Bradford nowadays is the hole in the middle.” After a pause, he went on say: “The thing is, I couldn’t find it. All I could see were things being built and the place has got a real buzz about it...”

Quotes like the latter one are a marketing man’s dream and they illustrate just how far the city has come in a very short space of time. They also illustrate how much there is to do to get the message out to the rest of the world that Bradford is on the up again.

So the success of the Grand Depart of the Tour de France which, although it didn’t venture into the city centre passed through large parts of the Metropolitan District, was particularly welcome.

One month on, its effects are still being felt. Businesses along the route have reported a boost in sales, visitor attractions are reporting increased numbers and hotels are enjoying a higher level of bookings. While the Tour has helped to put Yorkshire on the map globally, the real benefits will only be seen if the goodwill and publicity can be built on.

What we need to see now is a cohesive plan to capitalise on this amazing marketing coup and we need to see funds coming into the district to help us do it.

The Government must realise that there is a fabulous opportunity here to boost the local economy and create new jobs.

Bradford Council and Welcome to Yorkshire need to work together to make a persuasive case for some more of the funding for arts and tourism, which is so jealously guarded in the south, to be directed northwards.