Hopes for 2008

The Right Reverend David James in his New Year message said he believed there was much for Bradford to look forward to in the next 12 months.

He said: "Bradford is the most religious city I've ever lived in. With its mixed faiths, there is a sense of God everywhere. The major religions believe that God gives hope and in 2008 Christian churches in Bradford are focusing on Hope Bradford.

"We won't be doing anything grand or special but simply doing what we try to do, sowing seeds of hope, caring in the community, having a sense of not being the number one in your life.

"If we can live together, work together, serve together and love together then there is hope for the future of Bradford, for our city, our villages, our communities and our families.'' The sentiment was echoed by Ishtiaq Ahmed, of the Bradford Council of Mosques, who said he hoped the different communities in Bradford could pull and work together. He said: "We can show to others in the country that diversity and people from other backgrounds or cultures can be together as a community and work for each other's prosperity and well being."

Civil leaders stressed the importance of the redevelopment taking place.

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney said he hoped to see a start on the Broadway site. He said: "If we get that started everything else will follow."

While Sports Minister and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe looked forward to regeneration work starting, he was also excited about prospects of sport in 2008. He said: "Next year is a big year for sports, with the Olympics in Beijing, and I hope Bradford's teams and individuals do well."

Keighley MP Ann Cryer said while Keighley was a thriving town, she was concerned about the centre of Bradford. She said: "It is demoralising to go into Bradford these days - it isn't surprising people aren't going there to shop. The Council has to do something about it."

Mrs Cryer echoed Bradford West MP Marsha Singh's hopes that Pakistan could emerge from its present difficulties. Mr Singh said: "Given the shocking events we have witnessed in Pakistan and given the constituency in Bradford West, with a large Pakistan population, I hope for peace and democracy in Pakistan."

Leader of Bradford Council, Councillor Kris Hopkins, hoped improvements in education and business could bring prosperity. He said: "Each of us, with whatever job we have, need to take responsibility to bring about change in Bradford."

Labour leader on Bradford Council, Councillor Ian Greenwood, said: "I also hope we improve the education of the district and hope for peace and harmony amongst all communities in Bradford."

Councillor David Ward, deputy leader of the Council's Liberal Democrat group, said he had two main wishes: "The first is that Bradford City go unbeaten for the rest of the season and gain automatic promotion.

"The second is that the Odeon building officially gets listed status, or failing that a developer comes forward with a redevelopment plan for a new concert hall at the Odeon."