Twenty-five town and city centre managers from all over Yorkshire, The Humber and the North East will be seeing what Bradford has to offer next week.
The Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) is holding its quarterly meeting at Bradford City Hall this Friday, January 16.
But before they get down to business they will be donning hard hats and boots to take a tour of the Westfield site, the Sunbridge Wells tunnels, the City Park mirror pool plant room and having a look at all the public realm working going on in the city centre.
The managers will be welcomed to City Hall by Coun Susan Hinchcliffe, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Culture.
Coun Hinchcliffe, said: “Businesses and the Council alike are working hard to regenerate the city centre so it’s always good when other towns and cities ask to come and learn from what we are achieving.
“We’ll give them a good Bradford welcome and I hope they thoroughly enjoy their tour of the city.”
Bernadette Rushton, the chair of the Association of Town and City Management, said: “Our Association’s regional networks provide a vital chance for practitioners to learn from each other and to share best practice and ideas.
“The North East, Yorkshire and the Humber region, is one of the largest and strongest networks. With major regeneration of the city centre ongoing, we are delighted to visit Bradford to see at first hand the progress with the high profile Westfield centre and find out more about what it will mean to the city.
“The agenda looks to provide one of our most exciting and we look forward to being welcomed by colleagues at Bradford Council.”
Following lunch at Forsters Bistro they will have a talk from Hilary Thompson of the Yorkshire and Humber Dementia Action Alliance, updates from the ATCM and round table discussions.
City centre managers tour Bradford
What the people of Bradford make of George Galloway
George Galloway has been the Respect MP for Bradford West for the last two years and will be standing again in the upcoming election. Galloway has rendered mixed opinions among the public and The Asian Sunday set out to establish what the people of Bradford made of Galloway and whether they would be voting him back in in the May election; here’s what the public said:
Faisal Khan, unemployed – “Yes I would vote him back in. I like that he is not welcoming Israeli tourists into Bradford. He is keeping it an Israeli free zone as it should be.”
John Cooke, pensioner – “No I would not as I don’t like him. The things he has done and said explains it enough.”
Mark Watson, Photographer- “Not really, no. He was being a bit funny and I just don’t like him.”
Lindsey Nolan, Sales assistant – “He is an idiot. I don’t like him. I don’t like his policies. Ever since I saw him on Big Brother I didn’t like him.”
Fran Newman, Support worker – “His priority is not Bradford and it’s not Britain. I also don’t respect him as a man.”
Sabah Shahnaz, Waitress – “Yes I would vote for him as he is supportive with Palestine in the Israel-Palestine issue and we need more politicians supporting Palestine. Galloway also understands the needs of the minority people.”
Adnan Malik, teacher – “I would never vote for him as he is a liar and manipulates people into voting for him. He never does anything he says he will such as bringing back the Odeon so no, I would never vote him back in.”
Gurpreet Kaur, Bank worker – “No I would not vote for him as he talks about stuff such as Syria/Palestine etc which he has no control over, when he should be focusing on local issues and helping his constituents.”
Sophia Ahmed, receptionist – “I will be voting George Galloway to stand as our representative because I like his views on the Middle East, his unrelenting support for Palestine and his stance on non intervention in Syria last summer.”
Usaf Akhtar, Shop keeper – “Yes. I like the fact that he’s not in one of the 3 main parties, which I prefer. I feel as though none of the 3 main parties represents me and my views but George Galloway does his best.”
Jessica Sandhu, student – “No. Definitely not. I think he’s hypocritical and inconsistent in his
politics and many people would agree.”
Zahid shah, teacher “I would vote for him as there aren’t any other MP’s in the area who looks to get Bradford heard, even though he hasn’t been very successful it’s been a huge improvement compared to having people represent us who struggle to speak English.”
Imran Khan, student “I would vote for him, because he is a good speaker and can debate on a very high level and can speak up for his constituents. But I feel after an Mp has been voted in they don’t have the time for their constituents and you have to wait weeks to see them. George Galloway all the Way. He’s a man with a plan.”
Saima Kauser, receptionist “I would vote for him as I love his party and their policies and views.”
Aisha Khan, social care worker “No I would not vote for him as he does not concentrate on his own constituency and constituents and instead focuses others interests. He only delivers false promises.”
Steven Hague, Socialist “No, I wouldn’t vote for him. I am a socialist but I don’t like George Galloway so I wouldn’t vote for him.”
Tracey Ingham, Nurse “Yes, I would vote for him. He helps out with all the communities in the Bradford. But there again, I would probably vote for anybody as long as they helping out others.” – Harry, student “I don’t like him. He is too gobby. He doesn’t have a clue what he is talking about. I have always been a Labour man so I will be voting Labour. He shouts the wrong people down. How he got into parliament I don’t know. He should be with the rest of the crew up there in Scotland, not here.”
Arfan, taxi driver “Yes I would vote for him. He is a good guy and I have voted for him before. He does speak out for the Muslim community whereas others wouldn’t.”
Kalsoom Sajid, care assistant “Yes. He supports the sort of stuff we support. He wants to fight the war in Israel for the right side and not the wrong side. He stands up for our rights. I do agree with a lot of the things he says.”
Simon Ward, business man “He is an absolute crook. He goes on about how he doesn’t want Israeli services or academics coming to our university and how he wants to keep Bradford an Israeli free zone. As a public figure, he should not be discriminating, especially in a city as multi-cultural as Bradford. We have welcomed all types of people. The guy needs to know about respect if he’s representing that party.
Mohammed Yaqoob, electrician “No I wouldn’t as he uses Muslims to get votes; he is very sly and tactile.”
Mohammed Sajjad “Yes I would vote for him because he helps the Muslims and speaks up for them.”
How To Make Natural Botox at home
One of the most popular products sold this season is botox products. Many of us are hugely concerned about the ageing process. And why shouldn’t we be? Naturally we all want to look our best for as long as we can. Everyone ages, no matter what and we will all see age on our faces, but there are things that you can do. A natural formula does not mean that you have to miss out on the effects anti-agers, some of the hardest working ingredients come from nature.
You will begin to see results immediately after the first use. The ingredients are obtainable, affordable, and you probably already have them on hand. This mask is hydrating on your skin, it reduces all the signs of fatigue, and will make your skin feel tighter and firmer.
You will definitely want to make this natural face mask, and here is how you do it:
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed carrot juice
1 tablespoon of sour cream
Preparation:
In half a glass of water dissolve the cornstarch, put the water into a pot and add 100ml boiling water. Cook it on low heat until it thickens.
Then, after the mixture has cooled slightly, add the fresh carrot juice and sour cream. Stir the mixture well and put it on a well washed face, let it stand for 25-30 minutes.
Finally, wash the mask off with warm water and apply a natural moisturizing cream to your face. You can place the rest of the mask in your refrigerator.
For best results use the mask 3-5 times a week.
Source:
http://www.yourstylishlife.com/
Six tips for glowing skin this winter
The winter can be brutal on your skin. Dry heat from radiators zaps moisture, and strong winter winds can lead to increased irritation and redness. Tight dry skin and chapped lips don’t have to be a way of life during the colder months though. This edition we’ve searched high and low to bring you the best tips for flawless winter skin. These handy tips are perfect for the professional woman on the go.
Say Goodbye To The Winter Skin Blues
As part of your daily routine you should use a mild face cleanser to wash your face and avoid taking very hot showers. Harsh cleansers and hot water will dry out the skin. Try looking out for oil-based moisturisers with vitamins C and E. Oil based moisturisers rich in vitamins are better at sealing in moisture and keeping skin hydrated than water based products. However, if you tend to have oily or problem skin, use a lighter lotion.”
The Sun Still Shines In Winter
It is recommended to always use a moisturiser with SPF even in winter. It’s important to protect your skin from the sun. Believe it or not, the sun can be even stronger and harsher on the skin in the winter than it is during the summer.
Three Things Everyone Should Have In The Medicine Cabinet
Skin specialists advise every woman should own, Aloe vera pure gel for any burns, cuts or rashes. Vitamin E capsules. Break open a capsule and apply the vitamin E to any scar or cut to help it heal quickly. And coconut oil. It’s very underrated and it’s perfect for winter because it’s so moisturising. You can massage it onto your hands and scalp. For those with tired or dry feet try putting some on your feet, put socks on and go to sleep, you’re feet will feel refreshed and ready to take the days strain.
Keep Hydrated
It’s most important to keep your skin hydrated…Drink a lot of water and avoid soda and alcohol. It’s important to keep in mind that overall, people drink less water in the winter, and therefore are less hydrated, so drink up, even if you aren’t thirsty.
Different Season, Different Routine
Your skin changes each season with the weather, so you need to switch your skin care products accordingly. Most people use the same type of lotion all year, but it is advised you should choose a light lotion in the summer and combat dry skin in the winter with a heavier lotion.
What To Watch For
Our experts say stem cell research has come along way and is likely to be the next big thing in skincare. It’s been used for many different reasons, in the past and more so now in skin care. People are starting to develop products with stem cells from plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. These ingredients will be extremely effective in skin care products. Who knows, maybe dry winter skin will be a thing of the past in the near future.
Health tip of the week
Juice to Ease Arthritis pain
6 Carrots
3 celery stalks
Half chopped fresh pineapple
Juice all together and enjoy
(Fresh pineapple contains bromelain (enzyme) which works as a natural anti-inflammatory substance for swollen and painful joints)
Shapla Football Academy plays integral part in youth development
By Aalia Khan
The youth of Bradford are vital in the betterment and enhancement of the city. Educating, empowering and enabling their safety are key elements which reside in many communities. As such, Shapla Football Academy hold these core values in helping Asian and non-Asian disadvantaged youth, in Bradford, to come together in a safe environment to improve their communication, integration and social skills as well as gaining an education and having fun whilst doing so.
Shapla Football Academy was founded two years ago by Shahidur Rahman, Abul Qasim, Abu Khair and Humayan Islam. The Four men felt that they needed to give back to the community by providing youths with a free football Academy and access to mainstream football. The men have been putting their voluntary time into creating the academy and forming partnerships with many organisations that have been integral in the academy’s success.
BEAP Community sports hall in Manningham saw the vision of the academy and provided the venue where the kids could come and play their favourite sport as well as being trained and taught by the founders. Currently there are around 100 students involved in the academy who range from 4-16 year olds.
The academy only works with youth boys, for now, as the staff members are all males, however Humayan explains that they are looking to branch out their activities and provide female staff members for female youths to come and participate in various different sports.
Since it started Shapla’s success has taken off and their hard work has been recognised by many. Kick It Out, a campaigning organisation which enables, facilitates and works with the football authorities, professional clubs, and communities to tackle all forms of discrimination, noticed the brilliant work Shapla Academy were doing and have now joined in partnership with them to help develop it further. Ezycare also provided kits for the students to wear. And as part of further integration, The Football supporters Federation arranged two football matches at Bradford City football Club for the academy kids. Anwar Uddin from the federation commented “I was delighted to see that 60 youths attended the match and for most of them, it was their first time to attend a live game.”
The children gain these fantastic opportunities through the academy and Humayan says they hope to be able to take the youth to many more, bigger events in the future, such as to a Liverpool or Manchester united football match.
The children are also taught lessons in development, communication and integration as well as playing the sport, which allows the founders to be able to give back and do something for the “Betterment of the community” explains Humayan. He says at the end of each session children are provided with treats such as sweets, trophies, medals and certificates which helps keep them motivated and keen to return.
Parents are also supportive of the academy and have been pleased with the work of Shapla,“Parents have been really, really positive and It’s been such a great factor in bringing the community together, allowing children and their parents to interact more when the parents, especially fathers, attend the football matches” says Humayan.
The kids have been split into three groups consisting of 4-7year olds, 8-12 year olds and 13-16 year olds, and classes are held for these different groups on Saturday mornings between 10am-1pm.
10am-11am – 8-12year olds
11am-12pm – 13-16 year olds
12pm-1pm- 4-7 year olds
Shapla Academy are preparing for their official launch on February 19th and those wishing to attend the academy can get in touch with Abul Qasim – 07971 015721 or Humayan Islam – 07868322723.
Back in time: The Broadway
By Aalia Khan
The much awaited and highly anticipated Westfield’s The Broadway Bradford shopping centre has gradually made progress this year. After a turbulent and troublesome history, January 2014 finally saw construction work beginning on the site, with construction in the months that followed. As of November 2014, construction work is coming to an end.
We take a look back at the development of the Broadway Bradford in 2014, from start to present. Here’s a little history: In 1998 the Forster Square Development Partnership was established between Magellan Properties, Caddick Developments and the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.
They planned a 51,096 m² (550,000sq ft) shopping centre containing Debenhams, BHS, C&A, Marks and Spencer and 100 shops and other leisure facilities.The partnership sold it to Stannifer which was bought out by the Westfield Group in December 2004.
Planning permission for the development was approved on 10 September 2003 with the claim that 3,000 new jobs could be created. Demolition on the Forster Square site started on 18 March 2004 and by mid-2006 the site was empty apart from a large pile of rubble. It was originally hoped that the complex would be open by late 2007 (with construction commencing in early 2006)but with a lack of anchor tenants and with many workmen still working on Westfield Derby, the start date for construction was pushed back.
The delays led to Bradford Council threatening to take back control of the site from Westfield, if progress wasn’t made. Boarded shops on Broadway on the fringes of the development, the current hole in the city has left shops in this area somewhat isolated. Between 2010 and 2013, much of the site was turned into a temporary urban park. The urban park was demolished in January 2014 as work began on the shopping centre.
The shopping centre is due to open in December 2015 and Shoppers can expect many retail shops in the centre, including; Debenhams, M&S, Next, River Island, Top Shop, New Look, Sainsbury’s and Samuels. Most recently, last December, four more retailers have signed up, these are;Khaadi, a Middle-Eastern fashion and home retailer, opticians Vision Express, jewellers Goldsmiths and Asian food outlet Yangtze. 2015 brings high hopes for The Broadway Bradford as interior design work will begin, retailers will start to move into their allocated stores and shoppers may be able to commence their 2015 Christmas shopping in the centre.
Here’s hoping Bradford Westfield opens this year.
Bradford responds to Charlie Hebdo
By Aalia Khan
Shockwaves spiralled across the world once again when cartoonists and journalists from the French satirical weekly Charlie Hebdo became the victims of a terror attack.
On 7th January at least 12 people were killed in the shooting incident at the Paris office, including police officers who came to help. Witnesses said that two gunmen were involved, and that they were seen armed with AK-47s and pump-action shotguns. They were heard shouting “We have avenged the Prophet Muhammad” and “God is Great” in Arabic (“Allahu Akbar”.)
The paper is well known for its controversial cartoon imagery mocking all forms of authority, from politicians to religion. Amongst these included their cartoon image of Prophet Mohammed in 2011.
Of the dead were four of France’s best-known satirical cartoonists, including the magazine’s editor. A further 12 people were injured, some gravely, in what is the worst terrorist incident in France for 40 years. A Muslim police officer, Ahmed Merabet pleaded for his life to the gunmen, but unfortunately also became one of the deceased.
Police identified the suspects as Said Kouachi, 34, and his brother Cherif Kouachi, 32, both from Paris. A third man, Hamyd Mourad, 18, from Reims, turned himself in near the Belgian border after seeing his name circulating on social media. The Kouachi brothers have now been caught.
Bradford has now responded to the deadly attack by expressing their horror and disgust:
Wibsey Labour Cllr Ralph Berry said “This is a shocking attack of the freedom of the press which requires democrats to hold our values, not leap to extremes and not to retreat from tolerance and respect for each other, otherwise we end up giving to the enemies of democracy. I also reflect upon the Police Officer; who was Muslim, and there to defend the Press and Freedom.”
Bradford East MP David Ward responded “This was a clear and deliberate example of the use of terror to challenge the important principle of freedom of speech. It was not only a ‘punishment’ for those deemed to have caused offence through the content of the magazine but designed to create a fear in the rest of society. It was a stark case of individuals saying this is our belief and if you do not accept it you will be murdered. Such a view goes beyond illiberal; it is a poisonous and twisted mindset that must be defeated.”
Leader of Bradford Council, Cllr David Green commented “I think the attack was a horrific, murderous event of which there is no justification. I can see it is something that has shocked and horrified all wide thinking people of all religions and cultures and I have no hesitation in condemning it. What I would say it that I am heartened by the reaction of many people who have recognised and identified that part of the motivation was to create a backlash against the Muslim community; that is part of the purpose behind these sorts of attacks, and that is being rejected not just in France but across the UK. Every member of the Muslim community that I’ve spoken to is very clear that these attackers and murderers do not represent them or their religion. I have joined in the condemnation of this barbarous attack.
Heaton Ward Cllr Mohammad Shabbir said “It’s absolutely outrageous and brazen. What’s behind it I don’t know, there is a lot that is unclear at moment.”
Public members also expressed their views on the attack:
Shakeela Ahmed, Teacher – “This attack is shocking and disgraceful and completely against the teachings of Islam. Killing any human being is not in the hands of others but in God. These men are simply giving Islam a bad name.”
Aamir Zaman, Legal Assistant – “I think the people who took part in the attack are criminals using religion to justify their actions, and look forward to seeing them tried in court and sentenced, but I expected the French government to have been more efficient.”
Sajda sheikh, Nurse – “It’s absolutely awful for anyone to think they have the right to take somebody’s life. These continuous terrorist attacks make you wonder what is happening to the world and why these deluded people can’t see sense.”
Ariana begum, student – “I’m shocked to hear about this incident. I understand that people were upset and offended at the cartoon images this newspaper printed but to commit such an extreme act is just insane.”
Ibrahim Khan, Contact Centre worker -“It’s a terrible tragedy which has made it even harder to be a Muslim in the west. The terrorist actions have resulted in drawing more attention to freedom of speech, which is the reverse of what they wanted.”
Exclusively, Asian Sunday also managed to speak to two women who live in France regarding the recent Charlie Hebdo attack. Sophie who is of Chinese origin, 25 yrs and works in Paris as an architect developer and Audrey, who is french born, and converted to Islam.
Sophie said (via translator) “From my point of view, it’s really scary. I work in Paris and I have fear and distrust in my surroundings. It’s getting really insecure for people like us who are innocent.
Audrey told us (via translator) “They say Muslim people are terrorists and bad but true Muslims are good and Muslims do not do this! Islam is above all a GOOD religion! For me whoever did this, did not understand Islam. I’m just disappointed to see how our religion is littered with these kind of ugly people and the people who go for jihad are the same. Everyone believes that Islam is a religion and it like any other religion deserves respect so naturally if our prophet is disrespected it is wrong and we won’t be quiet about it, but taking action without such violence is my message”
Child Sexual Abuse –A community wide response
Bradford Council recently debated the issue which has been affecting the District [and many others] for some years taking a deep critical look at the council and what its partners are doing, making use of £250000 of additional Bradford Council investment to support victims groups, and to deliver effective awareness programmes in all Bradford High Schools.
The Council’s executive is about to endorse a major upgrade to the strategy and outline the current pressures and changing patterns. This follows a review and ‘challenge’ to make sure all patterns and forms of abuse are tackled, this includes abuse of boys [around 10% of cases]. We must give serious attention to what is believed to be an under reported issue of abuse of Asian children. It is my belief that men who abuse do not operate on ‘racial lines’, so if we have abuser’s in any community the notion they will only abuse outside ‘their’ community is not sustainable.
What we do know from other areas like Birmingham is that there are issues that have to be discussed in all communities, and that in Asian communities there are cases coming forward, some from past years where shame, ‘Izzat’, or other pressures have prevented people coming forward. The multi agency team have daily meetings to assess risks and agree actions, supported by dedicated skilled social workers and experts in the voluntary organisation partners at the ‘Hub ’. This is a world away from the response victims got in the past years, but we recognise issues form the past need to be addressed
It is for that reason the report sets out the need to set up a team to work on past allegations and try to get evidence and, as some cases have shown recently, get evidence before the courts.
For a while, this is going to look very tough, as significant numbers of cases will be coming before the courts.
Attention has focused on cases in Keighley as figures show 26 local men are on police bail and ‘likely’ to be charged later this year as part of Keighley-based investigation into child sex abuse going back some years.
Over the last 6-month period, the Bradford Hub identified 158 children at risk of Sexual exploitation. The Council’s report shows 99 were white British, 19 from ‘other white’ backgrounds, 23 Asian and 14 mixed heritage. This shows children from a diverse range of backgrounds are being protected, confirming the views of the Deputy Children’s Commissioner Sue Berlowitz of focusing on one pattern or group, ignoring that the abuse need to be identified and a variety of other situations. I recently met Council teams dealing with this issue in Cambridgeshire, Sutton, Kingston upon Thames and West Sussex, as well as the known issues in many Northern Cities and towns.
In terms of age, 17 were under 12, 30 were aged 12-13, 65 were 14-15 and 46 were over 16. Thirty of the children were male, something that really needs to be recognised.
Action is being taken on new cases and the hub is currently investigating 48 separate cases of suspected grooming. In those cases, eighteen of the alleged abusers are Asian, 11 white British and 2 Eastern European. Again, this shows the patterns are changing and we have to deal with the fact that risks are in a variety of settings and patterns. All communities need to be acting and working with the ‘know the signs ‘ campaign [on West Yorkshire Police website], and myths like the victims are all from ‘troubled ‘ backgrounds also need nailing, children from all backgrounds can be vulnerable, the evidence clearly shows that.
That is why work with schools needs to ensure good social and relationship education is delivered in every school, backed up by the excellent play that is going to all Bradford High Schools. We already know that young people who get that awareness raise concerns, protect themselves and others, and help prevent abuse.
We know seven suspected abusers are currently awaiting trial due to these investigations by the Bradford ‘Hub’, which has been widely praised.
Let us not forget four people have been convicted during the past six months. One has been found not guilty, and another received a caution. Those convicted are getting substantial sentences.
We are looking to ensure all Councillors are trained and all agencies from Housing, to community wardens and anyone working for public and other agencies work together to share information.
I have piloted an online training courts developed by safeguarding agencies so that we all know who to contact and what the up to date awareness and information tells us.
One issue that bothers me is, thus far none of the men sentenced in the cases around the country have accepted their guilt, so I believe it is important to show how and why these men developed into rapists and abusers of our children!
Bradford and other councils are using creative techniques as much as possible to deal with this, such as the ‘child abduction warning notices’. We are trying to keep on top of the changing patterns, such as the growing number of eastern European children at risk. It is a constantly changing process and there are many different patterns when it comes to child sex exploitation.
We have to look at facts without worrying about being politically correct; we have to deal with anyone willing to engage in this activity. But some of these figures show people who are prepared to rape and abuse children don’t operate based on racial identity – it is about exerting power over children.
Volunteer Associate Hospital Managers Required
Bradford District Care Trust is appealing for volunteers who can make a real difference to people detained in hospital under the Mental Health Act.
The NHS Trust is responsible for providing mental health care at Lynfield Mount Hospital in Bradford, and the Airedale Centre for Mental Health in Steeton nr. Keighley. It is looking to recruit five new Associate Hospital Managers.
Associate Hospital Managers are independent. Their role involves reading reports, attending review panels, listening to patients, carers, solicitors and health professionals. They are responsible for making what can often be complex judgements and decisions about whether a patient should remain detained in a hospital setting or not.
Michael Smith, Chairman at the Trust, said: “This role is an extremely important one. The job title can be misleading, as people won’t actually manage the Trust, but they do have the power to challenge health professionals and discharge clients who no longer meet the criteria to be detained.”
The Trust already has 16 Associate Hospital Managers from a wide range of backgrounds. Chrissie Freeth, a self-employed Tapestry Weaver, from Saltaire has been a volunteer for three years. She said: “I have an academic background, so I’m used to taking in lots of information, listening to people and evaluating. I have a personal interest in mental health services too. When I traced my family tree I discovered some of my ancestors had been in mental health institutes. By today’s standards they probably should not have been there. I think it’s really important the role of an Associate Hospital Manager exists so that we can make sure the Mental Health Act is being followed appropriately.”
Michael Smith, Chairman at the Trust, added: “We’re looking for people with a range of life experiences from a variety of backgrounds who could take up this challenging but rewarding role. It is important people are willing to listen as this skill is essential within the role. They also must be capable of making fair judgments.”
Full training is provided to support people in the role of Associate Hospital Manager and reasonable expenses will be paid.
Anyone interested in the role is invited to attend an open evening Tuesday 13 January 2015 from 5.30 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. at New Mill in the Conference Centre on Level 5.
Have your say on the future of Bradford
Residents still have the chance to tell Bradford Council their ideas about how services can be delivered differently in the future.
A series of events which was held around the Bradford district at the end of last year are resuming in 2015 with the next one being held at the Thornbury Centre next Wednesday, 14 January, 7pm – 9pm.
Bradford Council has organised the events to talk to local people about a New Deal for their District.
By next year the Council will have cut its spending by over £170 million since 2011. Between now and 2020 the money for Council services is forecast to reduce by another £130 million. That is nearly a third from £420 million today to around £290 million.
Other evening events include one at Clayton Village Hall on Wednesday, 28 January, and at the Clarke Foley Centre in Ilkley on Thursday, 5 February, 7pm – 9pm.
Further daytime events are also being held between 10am to 12 noon. They are being held at Park Lane Centre, Little Horton, on Monday, 26 January; Shipley Library on Wednesday, 4 February; Carlisle Business Centre, Manningham, on Thursday 12 February amd Central Hall, Keighley, on Thursday, 19 February.
Coun David Green, Leader of Bradford Council, said: “We want to talk with local people to strike new deal about what they can expect from local services, their rights and responsibilities and how they and other people could help by doing things differently.
“Business as usual is not an option as the national spending cuts we face are significant so the way things are done will have to change. For example, communities may need to get involved in running som services.”
If you wish to attend the events it is best to register in advance to ensure a place by logging on to www.bradford.gov.uk/newdeal or you can turn up on the day.
Missing Leeds Man Mark Smith
Police are appealing for information to trace a man who has gone missing from home in Leeds.
Mark Smith, aged 50, was last seen at his home in Armley on December 30.
He is described as white, about 5ft 9ins tall, and of slim to medium build. He wears glasses and may be wearing a grey waterproof top, blue jumper with ‘I served in the British Army’ on it, black jeans and Adidas trainers.
Inspector Andy Briggs said: “Mr Smith is an ex-soldier and may be sleeping rough. His family are concerned for his welfare and want to know that he is safe and well. There have been a number of unconfirmed sightings of him in Halifax city centre and we would like to hear from anyone who has seen him or who knows his whereabouts.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact officers at Elland Road via 101 quoting log number 581 of December 30, 2014.