Restore the pride (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Restore the pride

8:20am Friday 10th July 2009 in

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SIR – Re your article ‘Poverty next to wealth in our divided district’ (T&A, June 25).

Conservative Councillor Mohammed Jamil does himself little justice with his recent comments. It is the soft option to blame the Government.

His comment, “If they don’t do something now it will just get worse,” must surely refer to the Conservative/Liberal run Council which should shoulder some responsibility.

The BD3 area (including Bowling and Barkerend ward) has received important investment from the Government, although its legacy remains uncertain for many local people.

The real failure has been the “decade of decline” presided over by the Conservative-run Council since 2000 – most recently led by Councillor Hopkins.

The city centre “hole” is the flagship of all failures.

As Coun Jamil says, “If they don’t do something now, it will just get worse,” which is perhaps reflected in the Council only having a 38 per cent residents’ satisfaction rating.

Plans are made and put on hold, services cut, consultants paid and yet we appear to be no further forward.

Parts of Bradford are poor and deprived and there is need for investment – in people, in communities, ideas, innovation, aspiration and in making Bradford a city in which we can all be proud of!

Rupert Oliver, Lister Avenue, East Bowling