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Locals hit back after damning article describing Yorkshire towns as ‘no go areas’
Bradford and Dewsbury were two of four northern towns mentioned in the MailOnline article on academic Ed Husain - who visited UK mosques for book research.
Yorkshire residents have hit out at the Daily Mail following the release of a damning article that described towns in the region as 'no go areas for white people'.
Bradford and Dewsbury were two of four northern towns mentioned in the MailOnline article on academic Ed Husain - who visited UK mosques for book research.
Reams of locals living in the towns have hit back at the piece, contesting the remarks and the publication of the story.
One businessman said Dewsbury is "fed up to the back teeth" of negative press, whilst Musharaf Asghar, a local public speaker known for his appearance on Channel 4's Educating Yorkshire, described the article as pure "lies".
"Anyone who is afraid to enter Dewsbury is more than happy to drop me a message and I’ll take you to one of the best ice-cream parlours in [the town]," he tweeted.
Local leaders have also chimed in with criticism, with former Labour councillor Paul Ellis stating "The media needs to lay off towns like Dewsbury".
"While people like Ed Husain, who has never lived here, gets to publish his book and the Daily Mail gets a headline, people in other parts of the country read it and must think God knows what about the North, despite having never been here.
"Towns like Dewsbury have some of the friendliest people you'll meet."
At the beginning of lockdown, the Muslim community was very active in mobilising to help others, said Ellis, contacting people at the nearby churches to see if there was anyone in their parish who needed food parcels or shopping done for them.
The response has been echoed by a raft of voices in local leadership roles including Councillor Jackie Ramsay, Labour councillor for Dewsbury South, her colleague Councillor Darren O'Donovan for Dewsbury West and Conservative councillor for Wyke in Bradford, Councillor Joan Clarke.
Author Husain said his upcoming book was "not about ‘no-go areas’".
Bradford
The UK’s biggest Asian shopping mall is opening in Bradford this weekend
After years in the making, Signature Mall Bradford will be opening in the heart of the city.
Signature Mall is one of the UK’s most anticipated Asian retail and lifestyle destinations that will officially be opening its doors this Saturday 16 May.
This is a major milestone for the city, bringing together a mix of premium South Asian fashion, jewellery, beauty, dining, and lifestyle brands all under one roof.
It's a huge step for the city as the new opening is expected to attract thousands of visitors from all over the country.
Images: Supplied
The space has been designed to deliver a modern and seamless shopping experience, featuring a total of 45 vendors all in one mall.
You'll be able to find everything from premium jewellery and bridal retailers to family-friendly leisure facilities and beauty brands.
There will also be a large food and drink offering.
The opening of Signature Mall is also expected to generate new employment opportunities and provide a platform for both established and emerging businesses within the South Asian retail sector.
Signature Mall representatives have said: “Signature Mall is more than just a shopping destination, it is a celebration of culture, community, and entrepreneurship. We are proud to bring this exciting new development to Bradford and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region and beyond.”
The Signature Mall will be located on Preston Street in Bradford and you can find more about it here via their website.
An exhibition celebrating 70 years of Eurovision is heading to Bradford later this month
Thomas Melia
There's a brand new exhibition taking place in a major museum right in the centre of Bradford, celebrating 70 years of Eurovision.
Kicking off on Friday 15 May at the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford this latest instalment is titled 'Setting the Stage: 70 years of the Eurovision Song Contest'.
This new exhibition is dedicated to spotlighting iconic moments that have occurred throughout the annual music event's seven decade history.
It isn't just a chance to see and learn about all things Eurovision, there's also opportunities for you to get involved as this is an interactive experience.
Anyone paying a visit to this museum in Bradford will be able to put on a performance or two with a pop-up stage as well as voting in the Nil Points Jukebox.
This new exhibition taking place in a major museum right in the centre of Bradford is celebrating 70 years of Eurovision / Credit: Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons via supplied
In true National Science and Media Museum style, this exhibition devles into the music that has formed Eurovision's legacy as well as showing off all the impressive technical innovations and advancements.
Get up close and personal with gadgets like a Shure Duraplex headset that helps artists deliver groundbreaking performances without the need of a handheld microphone.
And step back in time by observing a Marconi Mk III camera head, which was used for broadcasts during the 50's, a real revelation of its time.
There will be content from fans and professionals who have contributed to the live music show in many ways, from outfits to hosts and of course the varying performers who captivate us every single year.
The main focus of this exhibition is the evolution of technology and production throughout Eurovision Song Contest's history, however music and performance are also acknowledged too.
Officially, the Eurovision Song Contest final will take place on Saturday 16 May and this Bradford museum is hosting a 'Setting the Stage: Live' event on this very date.
Expect a big family party with live music, a silent disco and a range of engaging activities like crafts and face-painting to get you into the Eurovision spirit.
If you're interested in celebrating 70 years of Eurovision by checking out 'Setting the Stage', you can find tickets and more info HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
9th June 2021 
