A POLL which listed Bradford as the most disliked city in the UK has been criticised by prominent figures from the city.

The YouGov poll of 55,000 people found Bradford to be the least liked city in the UK, with only 23 per cent of people surveyed saying they liked the city.

Bradford was in bottom spot of the list of 57 cities, behind the likes of Wolverhampton, Sunderland and Wakefield.

The nation’s favourite city was York, which 92 per cent of people said they liked, followed by Bath and Edinburgh.

Former Council leader Councillor David Green (Wibsey, Labour) said: “I have never given much credence to polls that say Bradford is good or bad when the people who are consulted have potentially never been to the city and don’t know anything about it.

“It demonstrates we have some way to go on the outside perception, which I have spoken about before, but in general terms I don’t think a poll carries much weight unless those consulted have visited all of the cities.

“We have got to keep saying what we have been saying before, it is a city of contrast with a lot of diversity and a strong economy, home to the headquarters of national and international companies.”

Cllr Richard Dunbar added the poll “really annoyed him”.

He said: “Bradford’s diversity is its strength and its cultural offering is second to none, and there it has so much history.

“The city has so much potential and so many opportunities for young people. Come have a look at Bradford for yourself, it has given the world so much and has more to give.”

Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, added: “It’s a nonsense poll and from what I’ve seen online it’s been dismissed quite roundly and rightly so.

“If anything it shows we need to shout a little louder about what a fantastic place Bradford is and how proud we are of it.

“City Park, our curry capital titles, the Alhambra theatre, Sunbridge Wells, St George’s Hall and the National Science and Media Museum are all things any city would love to have as their own.

“With the National Rugby League Museum, our new food market and the former Odeon all coming in the next couple of years its going to get even better and we’ll have even more to shout about.”

Despite all cities in West Yorkshire ranking in the bottom third of cities, the county itself was ranked the 12th most liked county in the UK, with 75 per cent of people saying they liked the county.

North Yorkshire also ranked highly in the county survey, coming in fourth place.