Our columnist this week is a 15-year-old from Baildon studying at Guiseley School Hannah Gomersal

Bradford is a scene of devastation and ruin. It looks like the target of an earthquake but in fact it is the target of a great masterplan. Within a few years we will see the rebirth of Bradford.

I think it is good that almost everyone has something to say about the regeneration of Bradford.

We are all involved in this huge period of change and we will be the ones who are experiencing it both now and in years to come. We need to play our part and make our voices heard.

I am sure you are aware of the proposals for Bradford; four separate "neighbourhoods"; a huge lake in Centenary Square; more shops; offices; accommodation; the list is endless. The overall aim is to breathe new life into the city while supporting the economical and cultural wealth of everyone living and working in Bradford.

It all sounds very impressive and quite straightforward but as with everything, there comes problems.

My fears lie not in the actual construction of the city, but in the 'upkeep' of it, if you like.

It's all very well having lovely new buildings, park spaces and businesses, but I feel until people change their attitudes towards Bradford and they begin to respect and take pride in their city, the great masterplan is doomed. It may seem drastic but it's reality.

A lot of hard work and a great deal of money will be put into making Bradford a special, successful and thriving place, a place which people will want to visit and enjoy. What a shame it would be to waste it all.

The designs are based on the theme "park in the city" with lots of green, open space and a very natural feel among the buzzing city life. However, judging by how people are treating Bradford's Lister Park, how can we be sure the same won't happen to the suggested parks in Bradford's centre? How can we teach people to respect their surroundings, including other people? The truth is, we can't. There is no trusting what people do, we just have to create a city so wonderful with something for everyone, that there be no reason for vandalism, dispute or disrespect.

I understand that they are trying to "Build a better Bradford" but this doesn't necessarily mean taking away all of its history. Of course we want a modern, lively city but wouldn't you agree that we need something from Bradford's past, something which will carry on into future generations?

Work has clearly begun in the city which could already be causing problems for Bradford. While the regeneration is carried out, people might be tempted to go elsewhere while it is "out of order" so to speak. This is not good news, they may never go back to their old habits and bother to return to Bradford, without people it cannot possibly keep going.

Bradford needs something for everyone, within reason. For the creative, art galleries. For the athletic, a big sports centre maybe. For the intellectual, a new library. For music lovers, a big concert hall. We need attractions for all ages and facilities for all cultures. But most importantly, we need Bradford to find the ability to sustain itself.

So as the building bricks are laid, we need to begin to lay the bricks of our society, work together and learn to love and respect our wonderful city. And if we can pull it off, soon we will really see the birth of a new city.