The new chairman of Bradford's Civic Society appealed today for thousands of people to join in to create a "great new city".

Property consultant and developer Anthony Mann said the new organisation needed expertise as well as the support of the community as major development took place.

Mr Mann, 38, said the organisation would act as a watchdog to protect the city's heritage while welcoming new development.

He said he hoped project groups could be set up by the society to examine proposals in the changing city and give views which would be taken into consideration by planners and other organisations.

Mr Mann was elected chairman of the organisation, which replaces the Bradford Civic Society.

He is a partner of Harry Hall and Company which is about to set up an office in Sunbridge House, Kirkgate, and is currently developing the upper floor of the Victorian buildings into luxury apartments.

Mr Mann is also a member of the Goitside Partnership - an organisation involving businesses, organisations and members of the community wanting to breathe new life into the area between Thornton Road and Grattan Road.

He said: "I am born and bred in Bradford and my family have been here for 200 years. We will be focusing on the city centre because major changes are taking place and it is very important the people of Bradford should have a voice through the society."

Mr Mann, a former pupil of Bede Grammar School, was involved in proposals for the recreation of the canal several years ago which are similar to those now being put forward by Bradford Council and Bradford Centre Regeneration - the urban redevelopment company spearheading the renaissance of the city.

He said: "I am particularly interested in Broadway, Goitside and the canal.

"As the city is being redeveloped, I don't want to see the mistakes of the 1970s being repeated.

"Bradford has a fine selection of buildings, comparable with any you could find. It would be terrible to put up modern rubbish.

"There are wonderful buildings like the Cathedral and Wool Exchange.

"Bradford also has many Victorian mills and I don't think they should be pulled down simply because they are not needed for their former use. They are part of the character of the city and I feel where possible they should be put to other use like residential.

"I think the design of the Broadway shopping centre is very good but I am concerned about materials.

"I think the new Civic Society has a big job ahead, but with a lot of help it can succeed.

"We would like thousands of people to become members and would also like people to offer their expertise in all aspects. We will be fundraising and also setting up a website. There will be regular public meetings and the next one will probably be in May," he added.

Mr Mann said people could contact the society by writing to Bradford Civic Society, PO Box 239, Shipley BD17 7WL. They can also ring 0845 123 5553 or visit the website at www.brad

fordcivicsociety.co.uk. E-mails can be sent to info@bradfordcivicsociety.co.uk.