The new report by the Campaign to End Child Poverty makes grim reading.

It is staggering to think that in 21st-century Britain there are pockets of our city where as many as 44 per cent of our children live in poverty, and that, over the district, almost a third are classed the same way.

It is no surprise to learn that urban areas are more blighted by this than rural ones, but the differential is staggering.

Wharfedale has just four per cent and Baildon and the Worth Valley eight, whereas Bradford Moor has 44 per cent and Bowling and Barkerend 43 per cent.

The figures are unlikely to improve in the current economic climate, and those behind the survey fear increased unemployment and continued cuts to services could make them much worse.

The Government has to look at this issue and make it a priority.

Children in the UK should not be on the poverty line and these figures should shame us all.

It is an area where the Government and the Council have to come together and come up with a viable strategy to tackle it.

And the first thing that needs to be done is make sure any service cuts that could make the situation worse do not go forward.

There is obviously no magic wand to suddenly alleviate poverty among the young in our urban areas.

But we have to do something to prevent a lost generation of children who know nothing other than shortages and scrimping.

We should all be working for a Bradford where no child has to grow up in poverty.