West Yorkshire's new Chief Crown Prosecutor says he wants to develop relations between the organisation and ethnic minority communities in Bradford.

And he has offered to meet community leaders to discuss the role of the CPS and its policy on Court cases involving race issues.

Neil Franklin said: "It is essential people from minority ethnic communities have confidence in the criminal justice system - not that they are going to get a bad deal.

"I am anxious to speak to representatives of all the ethnic minority groups in Bradford.

"And I would be only too delighted to visit the city to speak about CPS policy in relation to race issues."

Mr Franklin, who takes up his role in West Yorkshire after a stint as Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Severn and Thames area, said it was essential to strengthen community relations in light of the McPherson report.

He said: "Their faith in the criminal justice system needs to be restored. And I want to be aware of the hopes and fears of those who depend on us."

Although Mr Franklin is based at Leeds, he has already visited CPS staff in Bradford to discuss his aims.

One is for the organisation to 'open up' to the people it serves. "While the CPS has to ensure it does not prejudice future cases or breach confidentiality it needs to be open and approachable," he said.

"I want to ensure victims and their families can discuss any concerns they may have about the handling of certain cases. I can't speak to everyone, but I will do my best to be locally accountable."

Both the Magistrates Court and Crown Court in Bradford have been criticised for failing to deal with cases quickly enough.

Mr Franklin said: "There are problems in Bradford because of the sheer volume of cases dealt with. It has to be recognised that the city serves a massive area of West Yorkshire.''

He added: "It's possible there will be a specific trials unit concentrating on cases going through Bradford Crown Court.''

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