The clock is ticking for Bradfordians who want to have their say on shaping the future of the city centre.

Residents have until the end of this week to let Bradford Council bosses know what they think of the blueprints for the Park at the Heart'.

Celebrities have lent their support to the proposed £23 million project in the city centre and now people from the business world and politicians are having their say.

Media executives Tony Wilkinson, station director of The Pulse in West Yorkshire, and Usha Parmar, chief executive of Bradford-based Sunrise Radio (Yorkshire), are right behind the scheme.

Mr Wilkinson said: "We believe it will provide a vibrant, beating centre for the city - which will flow out from this point, being pumped right through the Bradford district."

Miss Parmar said: "I love the idea of a changing water feature rather than a static pool and, based on last year's light show at the City Hall for water and light displays, the possibilities are endless."

Politicians determined to raise support for the project include MEPs Linda McAvan and Timothy Kirkhope.

As a proud Bradfordian, Mrs McAvan believes the park will put the town on the European map.

She said: "It is great to see these plans to bring such long-overdue investment to the city centre. A public space for all, with the historic City Hall in the background - what a great idea."

Also drumming up support - and getting young people on board - have been members of Bradford and Keighley Youth Parliament. The forward-thinking group has been encouraging youngsters to have their say and presented 500 questionnaires to City Hall on Friday. They hope to collect 100 more feedback forms by the end of the week.

Last August, the T&A reported how Bradford had been shortlisted alongside 22 other UK projects for a share of Lottery cash. At that time the Council received a £250,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund to develop the concept further. Under the Lottery's Living Landmarks programme, a small number of grants between £10m and £25m will be awarded to the best projects.

The Council must submit the final bid in May and a committee including experts in architecture, regeneration and the environment will decide on the grants to be awarded in October.

New designs for the Park at the Heart show the mirror pool as a flexible water feature, changing in size and shape, including fountains, jets and causeways. The water can be drained for maintenance and for events.

Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration and economy, Councillor Andrew Mallinson, said: "The support we have received so far from the local business community for the Park at the Heart scheme has been fantastic and we are hoping even more will give us their views from now until the end of March.

"It is vital that as many people as possible register their support and that we have a wide variety of people, groups and organisations backing this exciting project. People can keep on backing the bid until the middle of May, and I hope everyone shows their support.

"We are delighted to see the involvement of young people in the Park at the Heart bid and hope this will encourage others to get involved.

"Their ideas will be fed back to the park design team and incorporated into the final designs, enabling them to truly shape the future of their city."

Bradfordians have until Saturday to have their say. They can fill in coupons printed in the T&A or leaflets available in Council buildings and businesses across the city, including the T&A's reception at Hall Ings. They can also complete a form online at www.parkattheheart.com.