Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe now believes it is time to look again at the direction of Bradford’s regeneration and wants the leading members of Bradford Council and MPs to sit down and thrash out a new way forward.

He says: “It is time to reflect on all the outstanding issues and come to terms with where we are going with all these schemes.”

The MP for Bradford South’s dissatisfaction at the slow speed of change is clear for all to see.

There is, though, tangible if belated progress with some of these projects – such as the City Park, New Victoria Place and even the justice quarter – which should not be overlooked.

But it is his frustration over the stalled Westfield site and the impact that is having on the city’s economy and reputation that really strikes a chord.

Indeed, calls to investigate whether interim measures could be introduced to lessen the detrimental impact this site is having have already been raised by others, including this newspaper.

But surely putting the idea of a cross rail link to connect the city’s two stations – which would almost certainly have to encroach on the Broadway site – on the agenda for discussion would be a retrograde step at this stage.

For that could distract from the business of trying to get a much-needed shopping centre there as soon as possible, and that must be the priority for now.