MORE than 20,000 postcards inviting people to give their views on Bradford's future over the next 20 years will be available from buildings across the district from this week.

They have been produced as part of a major drive to consult as many people in the district as possible before a 2020 vision strategy is drawn up to ensure the successful development of the area.

About six years ago the council's planning blueprint, the Unitary Development Plan, provoked a storm of protest in South Craven after acres of green belt land was earmarked for thousands of new houses.

Now people can reveal their vision for the next 20 years by picking up the orange and blue cards from libraries, neighbourhood housing offices and health centres.

Leader of Bradford Council, Coun Ian Greenwood, said: "The cards are just one of the ways in which we are trying to gain people's opinions on a vision for Bradford. We are now in the middle of a series of workshops and consultations with a range of interested groups from across the district because we are determined to develop a strategy which genuinely reflects the views and hopes of the community we serve."

Around 300 people will be invited to take part in a major public debate on the 2020 vision on September 30, which will be hosted by TV broadcaster, Sir Trevor McDonald.

The strategy has seven priorities - fighting crime, the economy and jobs, the environment and housing, health and social care, leisure and culture, education, and strong communities.

As well as completing the postcards, residents can contribute their ideas via Voice Mail (tel 0800 0734552), e-mail (vision@bradford.gov.uk) or via a freepost address (2020 Vision, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Freepost, NEA8326, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1BR).

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