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
Founder of popular Indian restaurant chain Akbar’s dies aged 56
Tributes have been pouring in after it was announced that the founder of popular Indian restaurant chain Akbar’s has sadly died.
Shabir Hussain opened the first Akbar’s restaurant over in Bradford all the way back in 1995, before later expanding to several other major Northern cities including Leeds , Sheffield, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Manchester.
The restaurant founder’s death was announced by the company on social media this morning.
The statement sharing the sad news of his passing at the age of 56 on the official Akbar’s Instagram account reads: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbars Restaurant Group.
“Please remember Shabir Hussain in your prayers. May Allah grant him the highest rank in Jannah and bring peace and strength to his family during this difficult time.”
Following the announcement of his death, Akbar’s said all its restaurants – including the one in Manchester city centre – would be closed on Wednesday and Thursday as a result while staff pay their respects.
“All restaurants will now be closed and will reopen on Friday 18th October at 5pm,” the official statement concluded.
Since the news was publicly shared this morning, dozens of people have taken to the comments of the official Instagram post to pay tribute, share their condolences, and offer their support – with one reading: “A truly kind and generous man, and a very very sad loss indeed,” and another reading: “Heartbreaking to hear this beautiful gentleman is no more, but his legacy is forever.”
Another person wrote in tribute: “A huge loss. What an incredible legacy [he is] leaving behind.”
“So sad to hear this. Thank you for creating the finest lamb chops and curries,” another tribute reads, while someone else added: “So many good memories at Akbar’s, and always had a good laugh with brother Shabir. Will truly be missed.”
David Hockney launches drawing competition for Bradford City of Culture 2025
Clementine Hall
A nationwide drawing competition backed by artist David Hockney has been unveiled as part of UK City of Culture 2025.
The event is just one of many that will take place in Bradford over the course of 2025, including the acclaimed Turner Prize and an outdoor event helmed by Steven Frayne, better known as Dynamo.
And it doesn't stop there, to celebrate literature there will be a series of tributes to the Brontë sisters who were born in Thornton, Yorkshire.
A number of music events will also be held, including a brass band celebration of Bradford and its South Asian community.
It starts here. We are Bradford. We are the UK City of Culture 2025. Check out the first part of our programme now ?
David Hockney, widely thought of as Britain's greatest living artist, was born in Bradford in 1937. He is inviting people of all ages across the country to take part in his project to "reflect our everyday lives".
Dynamo, the world famous magician, will perform his new show Rise, which is based on the story of his grandfather teaching him magic tricks in the city.
Shanaz Gulzar, creative director of Bradford 2025, said: “The UK is invited to Bradford in 2025. Not only will audiences want to be celebrating everything that makes Bradford great, but it’ll also be a part of the change for this vibrant city and district.”
Image: Bradford City of Culture
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, said: “This celebration of talent born and bred in the city will help to get more people of all ages and backgrounds involved in cultural events, creating good jobs and opportunities for young people.”
Bradford City of Culture 2025 will kick off in January and aims to bring the cultural wonders of Yorkshire to the UK public whilst bringing much needed funding to the city.
Georgina Pellant -
9th June 2021 
