City’s key influencers vow to work together

BRADFORD’S SENIOR business leaders and parliamentarians have pledged to work closely with each other to promote the Bradford district economy.

During a meeting at Westminster, the business delegation, organised by lobby group Bradford Breakthrough, met all of the district’s MPs and several Bradford members of the Lords to consider how they might pool their resources to promote the city.

The two-hour cross-party meeting discussed a variety of major issues: the campaign to improve transport, educational attainment levels in schools, the rebirth of the Odeon, and plans for Bradford University’s medical school. Other topics included the relocation of Channel 4, devolution, the Well Bradford project and access to high-speed rail.

After the event, Trevor Higgins, chief executive of Bradford Breakthrough, said: “This new approach will mean we can work together more closely in supporting the district’s economic and social wellbeing. I firmly believe that Bradford has turned the corner and that great things are happening right across the district (and beyond) so this is an opportune right time for us to come together to drive improvement still further.”

John Grogan, MP for Keighley, added: “If Bradford’s MPs and peers bat together we can make sure our great city gets its fair share of attention and resources. Bradford means not just the city itself but the towns and villages of the Aire, Wharfe and Worth valleys.”