It is encouraging that a decision has been taken to advertise for a Culture Director to spearhead Bradford's bid to be named as the European Capital of Culture in the year 2008. Things have been a little quiet on this particular front lately. It is good to know that the bid is moving ahead.

Despite the scepticism of some Bradfordians, this prestigious title is well worth pursuing. Achieving it would bring a host of benefits to the district as it has done to Glasgow, which was the European Capital of Culture in 1990. That city has now turned its one-time grim image around and is a place that tourists like to visit and investors are happy to put their money.

There is no reason why Bradford should not reap the same benefits. But if it is to stand a good chance of winning the bid, the whole community - and particularly local businesses - needs to be swung behind it. For that to happen, things must be seen to be moving forward.

The decision to seek a Culture Director sends out a welcome signal not only to the people of Bradford but to the wider world. By putting our money where our mouth is, we are making it known that we consider this city to be good enough to be a serious entrant.

That is the sort of display of confidence we need to help to attract funding to Bradford. Now this move has been made, it's important to crack on with putting the bid together. Other places have had a head start and there is ground to be made up.