A Home Office Minister was in Bradford today to see both the success stories and problems in the city in the wake of the recent riots.

Minister John Denham was also being asked to give more funding for more police officers on the streets to restore confidence and make people feel safe.

The Minister was in talks with Bradford Council, the police and Bradford Vision, which is made up of the district's main organisations.

He was also visiting the Allerton estate where crime levels have dropped as a result of prevention measures in a huge regeneration scheme.

A Home Office spokesman said: "He is keen to see the situation and speak to people on the ground, and community leaders, following the recent disturbances.

Council leader Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "We are looking forward to showing him the many positive things in Bradford. But we also want him to recognise we need help and will bring up the subject of police resources."

The visit follows a letter to Home Secretary David Blunkett from Coun Eaton inviting him to see for himself the issues affecting the city.

Coun Eaton wrote to Mr Blunkett: "One of the chief concerns expressed by local people is their anxiety at the apparent lack of visible policing. As locally elected members of the Council we are all well aware of the need for additional resources for our police."

She wrote that the Council was working in partnership to address the underlying problems of the district.

Coun Eaton has told the Home Secretary that external provider Serco QAA has been appointed to work closely and positively with schools.

But she added: "As leader of the Council I am somewhat disappointed not to have been contacted personally by either the Government's regional offices or anyone at national level in the Government.

"Having met recently with the leaders of Burnley, Oldham and Pendle, I gather contact was made with them."

The visit comes as the district tries to pick up the pieces and begin to implement an action plan following a far-reaching review in race relations compiled by a team headed by Lord Ouseley, former chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality.