City leaders are urging Bradfordians to pull together and stand united to overcome the uncertainties of the new year.

Regeneration, job security and the sporting aspirations of the city’s teams are just some of the things likely to be in our thoughts as the indulgence of Christmas and new year wears off.

The Telegraph & Argus asked some of Bradford’s most influential people for their new year’s message to readers. Here’s what they said: Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Howard Middleton: “People should stay positive. In terms of the economic news, it’s very gloomy but people have lived through these times in the past. I’m in my 40s and this is my third recession, we have done it before.”

Bradford Council leader Councillor Kris Hopkins: “Ensuring further real progress in regenerating our district will be a key priority for me over the next 12 months, together with the launch of a new campaign to promote education and learning amongst our young people.”

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland, leader of the Liberal Democrat group: “In the economic climate we need to get on and be better neighbours, be nice to each other, have generosity of spirit.”

Councillor Ian Greenwood, leader of the Labour group: “Clearly the recession has affected us all and will continue to do so but I hope we are able to manage against the worst effects so that Bradford can emerge fitter and more able to face the future.”

Councillor Martin Love, leader of the Green Party group: “I would hope that 2009 will be the year in which the Government, businesses and people in general all start taking the threat of climate change seriously and start changing their behaviour to reduce their carbon emissions.”

Minister for Sport and Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe: “It’s going to be tough economically but I’m hoping community spirit will pull through with an emphasis on people helping each other. With all the investment being put into sport we’ll be looking to build on the success of the Olympics.”

Shipley MP Phillip Davies: “I think it’s going to be an incredibly tough year and I think we should be thinking about all those people who recently lost their jobs or face the prospect. The main thing to look forward to is that Bingley’s new shopping centre may be open by the end of 2009.”

Bradford West MP Marsha Singh: “The lack of regeneration is still causing a lot of problems. My thoughts also go to the people in Palestine.”

Keighley MP Ann Cryer: “I would like to ‘Give Peace a Chance’ world-wide in 2009, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, and in those parts of the world where there is tribal conflict.”

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney: “My one new year message is for Westfield to get started without delay. We can live in hope.”

Executive member for regeneration, Councillor Adrian Naylor: “Bradford can’t escape the consequences of the national economic situation however the Government must allow companies to trade normally by ensuring the availability of credit and liquidity.”

Mohammed Saleem, chief executive of Bradford Council for Mosques: “Bradford Council for Mosques wishes all the communities in Bradford a prosperous and peaceful new year. United may we stand for the good of Bradford.”

Rashid Awan, president of Bradford’s Pakistan Society West Yorkshire: “I look forward to seeing the end of atrocities by certain elements destroying the fabric of our society.”

Achhar Paul Dharni, chairman of the Hindu Cultural Society: “I hope the new year will be a peaceful year for the whole of the world.”

Chancellor of Bradford University Imran Khan: “I hope that 2009 will bring greater tolerance and understanding between nationalities and that people will choose dialogue not weapons, democracy not dictatorship, equality not greed and that peace only comes with justice.”

Bradford Bulls coach Steve McNamara: “Togetherness is the key right through our organisation which includes you, the people of Bradford.

“Happy new year and here’s to a great 2009.”