Residents of Bradford will be treated to free Wi-Fi at City Park from the 4th March.
Students, shoppers, workers and even councillors can sit out in the fantastic City Park and enjoy browsing the World Wide Web.
The Wi-Fi, which will be officially switched on at midday, covers all of City Park and extends to the beginning of Sunbridge Road, Norfolk Gardens and Princes Way.
City Park becomes the second free Wi-Fi location in Bradford, after Bridge Street became one of the first city centre retail areas in the country to offer the service.
The council are also hoping to hear lots of tweets and comments from visitors and businesses accessing the internet on smart phones and tablet computers.
Bradford Council Leader, Councillor David Green, said: “This super connectivity is all about making the city a better place to live and work. We want to boost the economy and boost investment in the city.
“We have launched our City Centre Growth Zone and free Wi-Fi is an essential component of that. It is an extra bonus to businesses along with the rate relief they can receive if they boost jobs here. It is also an advantage for visitors and tourists as well as businesses in the city.”
The service is part of a wider £30m programme to enable residents, businesses and visitors easy and fast access to the internet.
Rumours of a civic reception and possible bus tour to mark the achievements of the city’s newest heroes have been boosted and dashed at the same time.
Speaking to a local newspaper, the Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Dale Smith spoke out about how Bradford City’s spectacular Capital One success should be celebrated but admitted that the chances of that happening soon are quite slim.
Due to Bradford City’s congested fixture list, the club are expected to only allow such a celebration when the season comes to an end, leaving an army of fans disappointed but willing to wait.
As we all know by now, Swansea City were flying high at Wembley with the Bantams unable to create one of the memorable upsets that we have been so accustomed of seeing during this year’s Capital One Cup.
The Swans may have won 5-0 but the proud Bradford fans were in full voice throughout the game as a sea of claret and amber dominated Wembley Stadium.
The shortlists for Bradford’s highly anticipated Women Awards are in. Read more to find out.Don’t miss our second report on Taxis…This edition we also have something special for the young ones…Enter our FREE Horrid Henry competition…plus lots more!!
A property fraud line launched today, means that owners who are concerned their property might be subject to a fraudulent sale or mortgage can quickly alert Land Registry and speak to specially trained staff for practical guidance about what to do next. The telephone number is 0300 006 7030 and the line is open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
The properties most vulnerable to registration or mortgage fraud are usually empty, tenanted or mortgage-free. Individuals at a higher risk of fraud include owners who do not live in the property because they live abroad, are buy to let landlords, are in long term hospital or residential care or where a relationship has broken down.
Examples of property fraud include situations where a buy to let landlord gets a call from a local estate agent saying that one of his rental properties seems to be being marketed for sale or where a relative learns the property has been ’stolen’ by a fraudster impersonating the deceased proprietor.
Alasdair Lewis, Director of Legal Services said:
“Fraud affects all parts of today’s society and everyone in it, costing this country an estimated £38 billion each year. Government has a zero tolerance to fraud against the public purse but in order to fight fraud, everyone needs to work together. The need for everyone to play their part is just as relevant in the fight against property fraud as in other contexts.
“Our award-winning Counter Fraud Unit works closely with the police and other agencies to reduce the risk of property fraud. Since September 2009, our measures have prevented fraud valued at £52 million but with an average indemnity payout of some £150,000, fraud is still a fundamental risk to our business.”
Additionally, as part of its commitment to a range of counter-fraud measures, Land Registry’s trial of a free restriction for absent owners is being continued. Around 5,000 properties have been protected in this way since the trial began in February 2012.
Designed to help prevent forgery, the restriction requires a solicitor or conveyancer to certify they are satisfied that the person selling or mortgaging the property is the true owner. There is no Land Registry fee for home owners who wish to register this restriction as long as they do not live in the property. Owner occupiers pay a small fee.
Land Registry’s top tips to help owners protect their property from fraudsters are:
Make sure your property is registered. If you become an innocent victim of fraud and suffer a financial loss as a consequence, you may be compensated
Once registered, have up-to-date contact details so we can reach you easily
You can have up to three addresses on the register, email addresses or an address abroad can be used. The more information you provide, the more chance we have of reaching you if we need to.
British Muslim Awards 2013 presented by Islamic Bank of Britain
On Tuesday night the first British Muslim Awards 2013 were held at the Sheridan Suite in Manchester. The event honoured the success and achievements of Britain’s Muslim individuals, groups and business people. The evening was one of recognition and celebration, which highlighted the significant role Muslims play in contributing to a better Great Britain.
Irfan Younis, Business Development Manager for the event organisers, Oceanic Consulting, said “We have some truly inspirational individuals who are proud to be Muslim and British and this is the first time their efforts and achievements are being recognised in such a public way. We would like to thank the public for the fantastic response we received. We have some truly inspiring winners and finalists and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves.”
The Awards were presented by Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh of Hamilton Burns Solicitors and co hosted by Entrepreneur and philanthropist Zulfi Hussain.
As well as recognising the achievements of Muslim men and women at the forefront of their communities and industries, the event also raised money for Mosaic – the largest multi-cause charitable enterprise in the United Kingdom. Founded by HRH the Prince of Wales in 2007, Mosaic’s mentoring programmes create opportunities for young people growing up in the most deprived communities.
The winners are:
Muslim in the Community
Muslim Scout Fellowship
Finalists: Zahid Hussain// Dr Hany El-Banna (The Humanitarian Forum)// Muslim Scout Fellowship// ZR Foundation// Akhtar Mansoor (Blackburn East Neighbourhood).
Arts & Culture Awareness
Aaqil Ahmed (BBC)
Finalists: Adil Ray (Writer/Actor Citizen Khan)// Aaqil Ahmed (of BBC)// Enam Ali (of British Curry Awards)// Imran Akram (of Brit Writers)// British Muslim Heritage Centre.
Young Achiever presented by Grafx Media
Mamuna Farooq, of DJM Solicitors
Finalists: Omar Ali (of Federation of Student Islamic Societies)// Imran Hakim (of i-teddy)// Rehana Azib (of 2 Temple Gardens)// Sajda Mughal (Jan Trust)// Mamuna Farooq (DJM Solicitors).
Charity of the Year presented by Sheridan Suite
Islamic Relief
Finalists: Islamic Relief// Oxfam// Mosaic// Muslim Hands// Tell Mama.
Responsible Media of the Year sponsored by Oceanic Media Consulting
BBC Five Live
Finalists: The Independent// Islam Channel// Peace TV// Al Jazeera// BBC Five Live.
Religious Advocate of the Year sponsored by National Zakat Foundation
Sheikh Bilal Khan (Dome Advisory)
Finalists: Iman Abdul Jalil Sajid (of Brighton Islamic Missions)// Sheikh Bilal Khan (of Dome Advisory)// Iman Monawar Hussain (of Oxford Foundation)// Shaheen Kauser (of NHS Muslim Chaplin)// Ajmal Masroor (of Barefoot Institute)
Muslim Woman of the Year sponsored by the World Congress of Philanthropists
Haifa Fahoum Al-Kaylani (Arab International Women’s Forum
Finalists: Aliya Mohammed (of Race Equality First)// Shahien Taj (of Henna Foundation)// Shaista Gohir (of Muslim Woman’s Network)// Haifa Fahoum Al-Kaylani (of Arab International Women’s Forum)// Baroness Pola Uddin (Parliament).
Best at Sport presented by Saffron Events UK
Mo Farah (Double Gold Olympic Athlete)
Finalists: Rimla Akhtar (of Muslim Woman Sports Foundation)// Mo Farah (Double Gold Olympic Athlete)// Samir Nasri (Man City Footballer)// Muslim Woman Sports Foundation// Amir Khan (British Professional Boxer).
Services to Medicine sponsored by Accounts Management Service
Professor Farida Fortune
Finalists: Mohammed Ali Jawad// Professor Farida Fortune// Tipu Zahed Aziz// Sir Maqdi Habib Yacoub// Dr Mahdi Mabruk Jibani.
Services to Media sponsored by the World Congress of Philanthropists
Finalists: Mona Siddiqui (Islamic Assistant Principle for Religious Studies)// Baroness Haleh Afshar (Professor & Life Peer in House of Loads)// Bushra Nasir (Plashet School)// Ahmed Choonara (Network for Black Professionals)// Hawa Bibi Laher (Spring Grove School).
Services to Science & Engineering presented by Mosaic
Professor Mohamed El-Gomati (University of York)
Finalists: Dr Javed Siddiqui (University of Manchester)// Professor Mohamed El-Gomati (University of York)// Abdulsalam Al-Mayahi// Professor Adel Sharif (University of Surrey)// Andy Miah (University of the West of Scotland).
Sevices to Law sponsored by Accounts Management Services
Nazir Afzal (CCPS)
Finalists: Imran Khan (Imran Khan & Partners)// Aamir Anwar (Aamer Anwar & Co.)// Nazir Afzal (CCPS)// Naema Choudry (Eversheds)// Tahir Khan (Barrister at Law at Broadway House Chambers).
Services to Creativity & Technology sponsored by Islamic Bank of Britain
Civil Servant of the Year presented by Asian Image
DI Khizra Dhindsa (ACPO)
Finalists: Ishtiaq Hussain (Central Government)// Zaheer Ahmad (National Association of Muslim Police)// Ruhena Zoarder (Central Government)// DI Khizra Dhindsa (ACPO)// Admiral Amjad Mazhar Hussain (Royal Navy).
Services to Finance & Accounts sponsored by Euro Quality Lambs
Amin Mawji (Ernest & Young)
Finalists: Sharjill Ahmed (of Bank of London and Middle East)// Mahmoud Atalla (of HSBC)// Amin Mawji (of Ernest & Young)// Farmida Bi (of Norton Rose)// Siddiq Musa (of KPMG).
Politician of the Year sponsored by Oceanic Consulting
Anas Sarwar MP
Finalists: Baroness Sayeeda Warsi// Sadiq Khan, MP// Anas Sarwar, MP// Rushanara Ali, MP Yasmin Qureshi, MP.
Businesswoman of the Year sponsored by Tahira Foods
Did you catch the first of our reports on ‘Accountable Councillors’ in Bradford wards?
We speak with local residents, businesses, Councillors and community organisations to find out what it is like to live in each ward. We are highlighting community concerns and putting a spotlight on elected council representatives to find out what they have been doing to campaign on residents behalf.
We have so far covered Heaton & Manningham Wards and so there will be more to come!
Select from below to view the full story from each ward. We would love to here your opinion too!
Read this weekend’s Asian Sunday Newspaper Online!
This weekends edition, A MUST read Asian Sunday is watching Taxis…find out how they fare! Catch the latest on the upcoming Bradford’s Inspirational Women Awards and much much more!!
A west Leeds takeaway is counting the cost of not obeying licensing regulations after being fined £15,000 plus costs at Leeds Magistrates’ court today (Friday 18 January).
Jawaid Mahmood, owner of Italian Pizza Bar & Village India, 209 Stanningley Road, Leeds LS12 was found guilty and convicted in his absence of selling hot food without a licence. He was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2967.53 and a £15 victims’ surcharge.
Leeds City Council’s Entertainment Licensing section first received a complaint alleging that the takeaway was selling hot food beyond midnight – the time they were authorised to – in December 2011.
The takeaway even advertised the opening hours of the business as 4pm until 12.30am Sunday to Thursday and 4pm until 1.30am Friday and Saturday.
Despite receiving warning letters advising him that he must cease selling hot food after midnight until a licence was in place, Mr Jawaid Mahmood continued to allow hot food to be sold at the premises.
Councillor Peter Gruen, executive board member responsible for neighbourhoods, planning and support services said:
“It is not acceptable that any food outlet conducts business without the correct licence.
“Businesses need to make sure they take notice of council advice so as to avoid large fines and to ensure they are operating within the law. In this case it is clear that the owner has deliberately ignored a number of reminders.
“By making sure these premises apply for a licence, it gives local people the chance to put forward any objections or to raise any concerns.
“The licensing process is designed to give not only the responsible authorities but also local residents the opportunity to raise concerns or support for applications. People who serve late night refreshment without a licence are not allowing people to have their say and are breaking the law.”
Income of richest 100 people enough to end poverty four times over – Oxfam
An explosion in extreme wealth is exacerbating inequality and hindering the world’s ability to tackle poverty, Oxfam warned today in a briefing published ahead of the World Economic Forum in Davos next week.
The $240 billion (£150bn) net income in 2012 of the richest 100 billionaires would be enough to make extreme poverty history four times over, according to ‘The cost of inequality: how wealth and income extremes hurt us all’. The agency is calling on world leaders to curb today’s income extremes and commit to reducing inequality to at least 1990 levels.
The richest one per cent has increased its income by 60 per cent in the last 20 years with the financial crisis accelerating rather than slowing the process.
Oxfam warned that extreme wealth is economically inefficient, politically corrosive, socially divisive and environmentally destructive.
Barbara Stocking, Oxfam Chief Executive, said: “We can no longer pretend that the creation of wealth for a few will inevitably benefit the many – too often the reverse is true.
“Concentration of resources in the hands of the top one per cent depresses economic activity and makes life harder for everyone else – particularly those at the bottom of the economic ladder.
“In a world where even basic resources such as land and water are increasingly scarce, we cannot afford to concentrate assets in the hands of a few and leave the many to struggle over what’s left.”
Members of the richest one per cent are estimated to use as much as 10,000 times more carbon than the average US citizen.
Oxfam said world leaders should learn from the current success of countries such as Brazil which has grown rapidly while reducing inequality – as well as the historical success such as the United States in the 1930s when President Roosevelt’s New Deal helped bring down inequality and tackle vested interests. Roosevelt famously warned that the: “political equality we once had won was meaningless in the face of economic inequality.”
Stocking said: “We need a global new deal to reverse decades of increasing inequality. As a first step world leaders should formally commit themselves to reducing inequality to the levels seen in 1990.
“From tax havens to weak employment laws, the richest benefit from a global economic system which is rigged in their favour. It is time our leaders reformed the system so that it works in the interests of the whole of humanity rather than a global elite.”
Closing tax havens – which hold as much as $32 trillion (£20tr) or a third of all global wealth – could yield an additional $189bn (£118bn) in additional tax revenues.
In addition to a tax haven crackdown, elements of a global new deal could include: – a reversal of the trend towards more regressive forms of taxation;
– a global minimum corporation tax rate;
– measures to boost wages compared with returns available to capital;
– increased investment in free public services and safety nets.
What are your thoughts? Do share with us..newsdesk@asiansunday.co.uk
