Bradford faces a challenging but essentially bright future - if Bradford Council can help engineer a more inviting climate for entrepreneurs, its leader claimed today.

Councillor Margaret Eaton said she was particularly keen to improve the city's image with regard to its education results and its lamentable place in the national league tables.

Other essential improvements she was keen to see the Council tackle include a thorough overhaul of its information technology usage.

She said: "There are some very, very good people who work for the Council but the level of IT is often grossly inadequate for the task which makes it difficult for them to do the best for the public.

"A lot of the IT equipment is old and we still have departments using paper and lists while other departments have e-mail and Internet facilities so there is no link up. However, a decision was taken by the Council to look at this."

She added: "Education is also a key component to the future success of the district, we have been basking at the bottom of the league tables and that has to change.

"We need to be outward looking and progressive and I think it's recognised by many people that things are certainly looking up and there is much more confidence in the district than there has been for many years.

"Indeed by the number of inquiries we are receiving from businesses interested in investing here and also some of the things which are coming to fruition I think the public has recognised the Council has an important role in making sure the climate is right for business to invest."