Minister praises Trident results

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Thursday 3rd Mar 2005.

A government minister has praised the work of an organisation which is helping to regenerate a deprived area of Bradford.

And his comments were echoed by residents who also backed the work being done by Bradford Trident in the Park Lane, Marshfields and West Bowling areas.

Lord Rooker, minister for regeneration and social exclusion, praised Bradford Trident yesterday for tackling inner-city deprivation as a new report was by published by pollsters Mori which said more and more people believed the area was improving.

Bradford Trident spearheads New Deal Community schemes in the city as part of a Government strategy to combat multiple deprivation in some of the most poverty-stricken neighbourhoods in the country.

Trident scooped the NDC of the Year Award in October 2004, ranking top out of 39 such schemes.

Selina Aziz, 21, of West Bowling, said: "I'm proud of living in the area. It doesn't have the same image it used to. It was seen as rough but is now seen as a community-led area.

"Street lighting has increased, making people feel safer. There's also more activities and opportunities for youngsters to get together."

Steve Hartley, chief executive of Bradford Trident, said: "The area has changed a lot in the past five years and residents feel much safer and happier. We want to make the area a better place and somewhere people really want to live."

The survey showed 65 per cent of people were satisfied with the area - up from 58 per cent in 2002; 79 per cent felt the area had improved - up from 72 per cent; 23 per cent were taking part in education and training - up from 16 per cent and 46 per cent felt their own health was good - up from 39 per cent.

Lord Rooker said: "This initial feedback from Bradford Trident is very encouraging and the NDC has worked very hard to achieve results. The survey demonstrates residents are positive and more supportive of the programme on the ground and this work must continue in order for NDC communities to close the gap with less deprived areas."

Lord Rooker presented Bradford Trident's youth ambassador, Balaal Khan, 21, with a national Young Person's Achievement Award, at the Mayfield Centre, Broadway Avenue.

The award recognises outstanding work by NDC youth ambassadors in boosting opportunities and representation for youngsters.

Mr Khan was commended for his work in promoting youth democracy, including a key role in conferences, team building events, education and community working groups.

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