Viaduct is a great danger to children

SIR - Mark Neale (T&A May 11) attempts to defend the Great Northern Trail. By no means can he say that Hewenden Viaduct is safe. There is a huge difference between climbing a tree and walking along the parapet of a 120-foot high viaduct exposed to winds. Children have been seen doing so several times and the police have been informed.

Inspection covers for the arches have been removed on occasions and coping stones weighing half a ton or more have been pushed off.

There was a time when children could have walked along such a path but sadly not today because of the dangers of child molesters.

Already there have been noisy motorbikes tearing along the path (photographs available), but Mr Neale lives well away and so is not exposed to the noise.

One consolation, however, is that it will eventually become a "white elephant" and an extremely expensive one. Such a vast amount of money could have done so much more good if given to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance whose services would be required should a child fall from the parapet.

Peter A Rushforth, Sutton Drive, Cullingworth.

Social workers

SIR - Gary Lorriman (T&A May 9) was quite correct in his constructive criticism of the Chairman of Bradford Magistrates. These days, magistrates seem more like social workers judging from the regular reports published in newspapers.

Almost every day offenders convicted of driving without a licence, insurance, MOT, etc get what seems to many law-abiding motorists derisory punishments.

Having just paid almost £700 to tax and insure my vehicle, it seems absolutely crazy to fine someone committing a serious breach of the law less than it costs to fill my fuel tank.

Little wonder that some have so little respect for authority when magistrates seem almost to encourage them.

David Boyes, Rodley Lane, Bramley.

Time to leave...

SIR - I would take issue with Muhammad Azam's view about Bradford and how it is portrayed in the media (T&A May 11).

Personally, as a Bradfordian I would go so far as to say it is far worse than outsiders imagine.

While it is my home, I can't wait to get away - there is no longer anything for me here.

My cultural heritage has all but been eroded from this once-fine city.

Paul Parkinson, Brantwood Oval, Bradford.

What I wrote...

SIR - With regard to my letter about people driving without lights, there have been two letters now criticising me for suggesting that lighting on cars is free.

I do wish people would take the trouble to read what was written and not what they thought was written. What I said was: "no electric companies will send you a bill for using car lights" or words to that effect.

I know about no such thing as a free meal but even that is not quite true - I had free school dinners at school!

Phil Boase, Elizabeth Street, Wyke.

Vote him out...

SIR - I really had a big smile on my face seeing Nick Griffin trying to explain why he only managed to come fourth in the General Election in Keighley.

He blamed it on Muslims voting tactically and that's why the Liberal Democrats came above his party.

If I were a member of the BNP I would be totally disappointed with the number of votes my leader obtained and be asking for a leadership change.

Don't blame the Muslims, Mr Griffin, as they only made up ten per cent of the total vote. Give yourself a hard look through the mirror and you will realise why the intelligent British people rejected your twisted views.

Adam Khan, St Michael's Road, Bradford.

Talented people

SIR - We attended a concert last Saturday given by the Bradford Youth Orchestra and Bradford Youth Wind Orchestra.

What a treat! I am sure that everyone there was amazed at the talents of these young people and surprised that Education Bradford do not promote them more.

L Wilson, Burnside Avenue, Shelf.

Efficient work

SIR - I wish to place on record the excellent service rendered by Yorkshire Electricity distribution upon their rapidly locating a fault due to water seepage affecting our cable.

Rectification work and reinstatement of the pavement was efficiently completed in a systematic fashion and all who took part deserve the highest praise.

Winston White, Staybrite Avenue, Cottingley, Bingley.