Now let's keep the ball rolling (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Now let's keep the ball rolling

8:42am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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A £1.6 million scheme to spruce up the streets in Bradford city centre is almost complete and it has to be said that the work done under phase one of the Heritage Streets Project is impressive.

The mixing of old flag stones and setts and the introduction of trees and new street furniture has made the areas much more attractive and is entirely in keeping with some of the beautiful stone buildings surrounding them.

No-one is saying that such work will be sufficient on its own to bring about a major lift in fortunes for the area, but neither is it insignificant.

Because every improvement that happens in the city centre is a boost to the traders there and an incentive for others to try their hand by setting-up shop, as well as making it more attractive for shoppers and visitors.

That being the case, it is to be hoped there will be other projects to follow this one – and they do not need to be major construction works either to have the desired effect.

The introduction of the free city bus, for example, has had a positive impact, while the latest additions to the cityscape – the new banners flying from lampposts proclaiming our City of Film status – will have given everybody a lift.

Even in these tough financial times, major projects such as the City Park and Southgate scheme, together with the Heritage Streets Project and other initiatives, are giving Bradford a sense of impetus and it would be a shame if that was not built on.