So there it is. The voters of Bradford have had their democratic say. A few seats have changed hands but there have been no big upsets to hit the national headlines. Yet despite the absence of any major upheavals, it is too early to declare "As you were".

With Tories' gains putting them neck and neck with Labour, Bradford will have to wait until after the weekend to find out whether the Lib Dems will continue their sometimes-uneasy alliance with the Tories, go into partnership with Labour instead, or pursue an independent line.

Whatever decision they make, it is to be hoped that the new Council ends up well-equipped to tackle the many challenges facing this city of ours.

If we are short-listed for the Capital of Culture 2008 - and a great deal hinges on that happening - the Council has a lot of work to do, on its own and in partnership with other organisations, to ensure that the title finally comes Bradford's way.

There is the ongoing city-centre regeneration to be pursued, making sure that Bradford gets the right sort of shops and leisure attractions to not only keep the residents happy but also attract visitors from outside. There is work to be done to create the sort of welcoming environment which will attract inward investment, bringing new jobs.

And vital to all this is the need to generate the political will to react to the recommendation of the Ouseley Report and strive to make Bradford a place in which all communities work together to ensure the city's prosperity.

Go to it, councillors!