The number of Bradfordians backing an ambitious bid to create a park in the city centre has nearly topped 7,000.
Details of the Park at the Heart scheme will be submitted to the Big Lottery Fund next week and the level of support could be key to scooping the £24.5m funding required.
A "bid-o-meter" has been touring the district allowing supporters to stamp their approval of the dramatic proposals. Each stamp has been counted and could help to influence the lottery judges in Bradford's favour.
Now the Telegraph & Argus can reveal that 6,708 people have got behind the bid and the Park at the Heart van will be travelling around the district with details on how to back the bid for those who have yet to come forward.
The head of the district's regeneration, Councillor Andrew Mallinson, said: "We are delighted with the overwhelming support the park has already received, with nearly 7,000 people already coming forward to back the bid since the final designs were unveiled.
"With just two weeks left to go before the bid is submitted to the lottery, we urge those who have yet to show their support to come forward and back the bid, either online at www.parkattheheart.com, by text or over the phone.
"You can also visit Centenary Square during the day, or Chino Thai during the evening, to jump on the bid-o-meter and give your backing.
"The Park at the Heart van is visiting key sites around the district to remind people how they can back the bid.
"We need your help to give us the best chance to win the Lottery funding for the city - so please get involved and let's win it for Bradford."
The scheme, which will cost £30m in total, includes a flexible mirror pool, an events space, quiet areas, play spaces and water courses. It is vying for the Lottery funding as part of the Living Landmarks grants programme and is competing with 22 other schemes across the country. An announcement is expected in October.
The bid-o-meter has also visited Beckfoot School in Bingley, where the choir added their 115 votes to the total. The school is home to Bradford Schools Choir and 70 members of the group from nine primary schools will be singing for the Queen during the Royal visit on Thursday, May24.
There will also be a party to celebrate the impending bid submission in Centenary Square after the Queen's walkabout there.
During the royal visit, the West Yorkshire Fire Service Band will be performing in the square from 10am onwards. This will be followed by performances from Queensbury's Black Dyke band and Bradford Schools Choir.
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will be greeted by Bradford Council chief executive Tony Reeves, who will give details of the city's regeneration programme, and the soon-to-be-installed Lord Mayor, Councillor Robin Owens, will make a speech. Lydia, the five-year-old daughter of murdered policewoman Sharon Beshenivsky will present the Queen with a posy.
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