An ambitious 20-year vision for Bradford - aimed at improving the quality of life for every citizen - will be unveiled on Monday.

The far-reaching 2020 Vision is said to reflect the dreams and aims of 25,000 people who took part in the district's biggest public consultation exercise.

Businesses and other organisations also contributed a substantial number of the ideas that went into the bid to transform the whole of the Bradford area over the next 20 years.

Top broadcaster John Humphrys - who presents Radio 4's Today programme and BBC TV's On the Record - will host the launch in historic Salts Mill, which will be attended by business leaders from across Bradford.

The wide-ranging blueprint paints a picture of a dynamic district, where people are proud to live, work, learn and play. Its aim is to build on Bradford's growing reputation as a centre for information and communication technologies, its cultural heritage and its geographical and economic links.

One of its more controversial elements is a plan to improve access to Leeds and work in partnership with Bradford's traditional rival to attract more jobs and funding to the region.

Monday's launch will be followed by a two-year programme of high-profile events.

The Vision document is intended to provide the backdrop for a five-year strategy to be announced within the next three weeks.

It is being promoted and led by Bradford Congress, an unelected grouping of public and private sector organisations which was set up to show the last Tory Government that they could co-operate to the benefit of the district. Its members include Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, Bradford Health Authority, Bradford Chamber of Commerce and other community and business organisations.

Congress chairman Ian Greenwood, the leader of Bradford Council, described it as a "once in a generation" experience when thousands of people "spoke with one voice".

"The overwhelming view was that people wanted decent and satisfying jobs, a clean environment, thriving city and town centres, good public transport and to feel safe in their own communities," he said. "Everyone wanted a community which was at one with itself. People wanted to celebrate diversity and saw it as a strength, rather than a weakness.

"The hopes in the Vision are achievable but if we are to attain it everyone - the Council, businesses, schools and other key partners - will need to work together."

Today the Vision was welcomed in a statement by the board of Leeds Initiative, the city's public and private sector partnership.

It said members "noted that the city of Bradford and its partners identified Leeds as the Regional Capital and Financial Centre" and it looked forward to a stronger working relationship "with both Bradford and with other areas and cities across the West Yorkshire sub-region and the wider Yorkshire and Humber region."

Its chairman Councillor Brian Walker, who is also leader of Leeds Council, said: "The way forward for improving economic progress at a regional level is to establish closer ties with all our neighbours. We look forward to working with Bradford in the future."

Congress member and leader of the Council's Tory group Councillor Margaret Eaton said: "This Vision has come about through a collaboration between a wide variety of people from across Bradford and is a clear indication that the district is serious about reshaping its future."

The main planks of the 20-20 vision are:

*A well-educated, well-trained, healthy and productive workforce, with the skill needed to succeed in highly competitive global markets;

*Satisfying, highly-skilled and well-paid jobs for everyone, creating wealthier communities and greater spending power, locally;

* A varied economy with particular strengths in the high technology and cultural industries;

* An economy which uses resources efficiently and effectively, minimises waste, is concerned about the environment and is integrated into the wider economy of Yorkshire and, in particular, that of Leeds;

* Good transport and road networks;

* A clean, healthy and attractive environment, excellent public services, and a thriving arts, sports, cultural and entertainments scene;

* A better understanding between people from all parts of the district, whether they live in the inner city areas or in Airedale and Wharfedale. An appreciation that their economies are separate, but complementary, and all are vital to the future success of Bradford as a whole;

* Equal rights and opportunities for every citizen;

* Respect for each other regardless of abilities, sexuality, religion or cultural origins.

* Full details of the 2020 Vision document will be revealed in Monday's T&A

ENDS

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