So the reason we couldn't have a contingency patch of land, say Exchange Square, or the new temporary Park In a Crater, is . . . ?

Doesn't every political party blame the last lot? They blame them for the first three years, then the opposition blame the party in power for the last year, then we have an election.

Re: Greenwood. Tbh that was a bit of a half-cut rant from
me and more to do with his decrying of the survey which showed, quite accurately, that Bradfordians in general think the city is going down the pan and they have no confidence in the council to do anything to arrest that slide.

I think the city is in need of leadership and an executive position we pick rather than the parties would be one way to make that role more directly accountable.

I'd be for offering a massive salary to attract some real talent to the job.

If Bradford Council is awful, surely a highly competent person could make it less awful? Wouldn't be a silver bullet, but it would be better than the current system where people no one wants take the reins time after time.

Have elected mayorships got a track record of success in the UK? If so then why not? However I am suspicious they're just a gimmick, the last thing we need is a populist ego maniac who creates headlines and nothing else. I'm thinking of Doncaster as an example not to follow.

I actually think some headlines would be a start. People down here are appalled by the story of the Westfield crater, but they wouldn't know if I hadn't told them. I'd like to see a fresh face with some ideas on how we improve and no interest in covering up previous council blunders.

I'm all for it too, however I don't think the general population is, anything remotely political in this country ends up boiling down to the usual parties, and it's the mindset of those who bother to go out and vote too.

A few years ago I thought the way that Bradford was being run into the ground would inspire some kind of backlash at local level and some independents to stand up and try and get involved in local government but apathy is the only winner in this city.

When I moved to Bradford in the early 90s there was an active student union, active environmental pressure groups & a great feel around the festival & Mela. All that has gone. The rise in apathy is not confined to Bradford, but other cities do have other things to feel good about.

I lived for 9 years in Bradford and currently reside in Doncaster and i can tell i would much rather be in Donny than Bradford! The council tax is cheaper, it's cleaner and the bins are collected regularly. Our mayor is doing a cracking job in trying to stamp out wastefulness and the scourge of political correctness.

Please give some examples.

I gather he offsets the balance with political ineptness.

Withdrawing council backing for so called 'gay pride' events.

Shouldn't a council support oppressed groups & an event that brings in thousands of visitors & spenders to the town? How much did Phil's dad save from this scourge?

Quote: hi de hi "Withdrawing council backing for so called 'gay pride' events.'" Yeah, that was a good one. www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/2009/06/m ... oby_1.html

Quote: hi de hi "Withdrawing council backing for so called 'gay pride' events.'" Yeah, that was a good one. www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/2009/06/m ... oby_1.html