I have lived in Bradford all my life and have never felt so depressed as I have these last few years. I used to enjoy shopping in Bradford town centre when there used to be a sense of community spirit. I feel ashamed and saddened to say that I am turning into a bitter person because of what I see when I enter Bradford.

Some shops are up for sale

Upon entering the town centre, you are aware that once thriving businesses have been boarded up, and are now plagued by young desperate prostitutes eager to please for a quick fix. Nearly half of Bradford is boarded up. Shops to let are the usual sight. The only shops that do seem to do well are £1.00 shops which show the signs of the times.

The town centre is abysmal, a high crime rate and lack of respect from young members of our community. Bradford is a very poor town with poor unhappy people. Although I love where I live in Queensbury, in between Halifax and Bradford, I don't think I will live here much longer as I feel house prices can only fall in the Bradford district.

I am a Sales Manager for a local hotel and enjoy my job. I deal with working class people who still have some respect for others. Having fun is something which is easy for me, I have great friends and enjoy a pint at the weekend and Bradford does have some good spots to grab a pint.

The National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.

The National Museum of Photography is a great place for people to visit and the best thing is that it is free. I have had many hours of fun in there. My favourite thing when I was younger was the news desk where you can pretend to be a news presenter, and the magic carpet was always fun.

Although I was born and raised in Bradford I have never had a feeling of pride.

The riots have left a bitter taste in my mouth and the ever growing crime rate makes life feel very day to day and there seems to be no future prospects to look forward to for our children.

I feel I have nothing much more to add and I am sorry if I have painted a bleak picture, but I write about the way I feel and I am not about to paint a rosy picture for people around the world. One thing I can say though is that there will always be people who care and that is the one reason I get up and contribute an play my part in socitey. I wish people were more caring to other people and if you ever want inspiration about what life needs watch a great film (Play it Forward) which gave me a great sense of how I want to carry on in life.