Home Office Minister Tony McNulty has heard first-hand how Bradford people think the Government can work with them to combat the threat of extremism.

After criticism he was not listening in Leeds, Mr McNulty was anxious to assure community leaders he was taking their views on board.

Mr McNulty and Meg Munn, Minister for Communities and Local Govern-ment, met more than 100 figures from a wide range of communities, faiths and organisations at Bradford's Carlisle Business Centre.

The visit was part of the Government's Preventing Extremism Together (PET) initiative. It followed a meeting with community leaders in Leeds.

After the Bradford meeting, Mr McNulty said: "The people here thought I was listening. It was a vigorous and robust debate but that is not a bad thing."

Strong views were expressed on Government policy in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon and complaints were made about the use of the phrase "Islamic Fascism" by some Government representatives.

Mr McNulty said: "I think Bradford's gone very well. It was a vibrant, reflective and thoughtful meeting."

Answering criticism from Council and community leaders that nothing had been heard since a Government minister visited the city in the wake of the London tube bombings last year, Mr McNulty conceded there had been a lack of feedback.

Dr Abdul Bary Malik, president of the Ahmadiya Muslim Association of Bradford, said feelings were frankly expressed.

"On a local level, I think it is very important we work hard towards inter-community relations and have the courage to recognise where there are problems," he said.

He accused the Government of having too much expectation of Muslim leaders.

Bradford Council leader Kris Hopkins said the Government needed to stop denying that its foreign policy was not a significant issue for people. He called for the Government to fund regeneration in Bradford and to make long-term cash available for faith groups in the city who wanted to open dialogues.

After the meeting, Mr McNulty walked the beat on Oak Lane, Manningham, with Chief Superintendent Allan Doherty, Divisional Commander of Bradford North.

He met Sahib Dad, 67, who lives on the street, and his grandson Adil Ali Akksar, aged 12.

"It makes me feel safer to see the Minister and the police on our streets," said Adil.