Letters to the Editor

Sir - Paul Hodgson's letter (T&A June 28) regarding the need for a rail link with Leeds/Bradford International Airport is pertinent and timely since the airport is currently undertaking a study on transport links.

Mr Hodgson rightly refers to two possible ways of taking in a rail link only one of which provides a direct connection to Bradford. It would seem wrong to choose the slightly cheaper option offered by Horsforth when it does not address the airport's surface access needs.

This issue is included in the brief for the Airedale Masterplan which I hope will provide support for a rail link via Baildon and Guiseley.

It will also examine strategic transport issues along the Aire Valley including the redevelopment and improvement of Shipley station, increased commuter capacity between Skipton, Leeds and Bradford and the possibility of new stations.

We have also begun discussions about upgrading the existing rail links with Leeds, will make clear that our support for the Leeds super tram is contingent on connecting with Bradford, and will argue any investment on upgrading the Leeds ring road must involve better linkages with Bradford's road network.

Coun Simon Cooke, City Hall, Bradford.

Danger to children

SIR - One wonders what experience of life the Sustran people and their supporters for the Cullingworth and Thornton Trail have.

Among other things they say the trail along the disused rail track could be used by children to and from school.

Apart from the fact there are very few children for whom it would be the shortest way from home to school, it would become a "paedophile's paradise".

I don't think any mother would want to walk along the trail, with or without children.

Residents living close to the Halifax Road viaduct have already experienced vandals throwing stones. The Hewenden viaduct was fenced off some years ago because of vandalism. Now the fence has been broken and children have been seen walking on the parapet which is some 120 feet high!

The cost of the trail will be well over £1million. Meanwhile we learn the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Service needs that amount so that it can operate seven days per week. How sadly ironic it would be if the service is required to airlift a child who has fallen from the viaduct.

Peter A Rushforth, Sutton Drive, Cullingworth.

Blame Post Office

SIR - With reference to the letter from Mr Stephen Walsh regarding non-receipt of voting forms (T&A, June 24).

I was due to return to England on June 10 after visiting my daughter in Australia. I therefore applied for a proxy vote so that my husband could vote for me.

His postal vote forms arrived OK at our address but nothing came for my proxy vote. On contacting the elections unit I was told that they had been sent out.

Which leaves but one conclusion - it is the fault of the Post Office.

In the past I have had reason to complain about non-delivery and incorrect delivery of items to my address.

Mrs B Brook, Evergreen Walk, Crossflatts.

Self-destructing

Sir - Peter Wilson (T&A June 26) poses the question "how do a dozen maverick elected UKIP MPs think they can carry out their vow to 'wreck' the European Parliament when the whole assembly has more than 700 members?"

Well, for a start, there are many more members other than those in Britain who have the same intentions, and these will rack up.

There will be no need for a 'gunpowder plot'. The EU will consume itself, the UKIP will just hasten it along.

Gary Lorriman, North Walk, Harden

Give us facts

SIR - Mr Holmans is at it again (T&A, June 23) but at least he admits that eurosceptics have a case, even if it's an impoverished one, in his blinkered eyes.

He doesn't give any advantages that can be substantiated of our EU membership. £50 million per day (pain now) for the long-term gain: he lives in cloud cuckoo land as most pro-EU people do.

I repeat Germany has broken the rules. This is not slanderous and can be substantiated and France has had fines (unpaid ones) imposed upon them.

These are facts Mr Holmans as is the increase in Spanish fishing at our expense.

Please, Mr Holmans, give us concrete facts in support of your case and who knows you may convince me for one.

P E Bird, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley.

Flying the flag

Sir - Now our national team have been cruelly and blatantly despatched from the European Championships, with a helping hand from a bearded, Toblerone-munching grocer from Switzerland, I would like to make a little request.

How wonderful it was to see St George's flags draped from windows, cars, and flag poles, parents and children wearing England shirts, and even pets bearing the cross of St George.

I hope that now football is not coming home, we don't put those flags, banners and T-shirts into storage.

We have shown we can be patriotic towards our sportsmen and women but the same cannot be said when it comes to St. George's Day.

Only a small percentage of people make an effort to celebrate the patron saint of England. So, before you fold that flag up and put it in the loft, think how proud you have felt over the last few days and make sure that banner is waved, flag draped and T-shirt worn on St George's Day!

Brian Keough, Cutler Heights Lane, Dudley Hill.

A fitting place

SIR - I welcome the thoughts and feelings of David Pendleton (T&A, June 28).

My brother James worked hard and long to raise money to place a fitting tribute to Bradford servicemen in the past who were given our country's finest honour, the Victoria Cross.

Bradford can be proud of these people, eight in all I believe, and well worthy of a place like that which Mr Pendleton suggests.

The Rose Garden where the stone is at present, to the rear of the Cenotaph, is not the ideal place.

Let's hope those in power at City Hall can grant Mr Pendleton's wish and place both Cenotaph and VC Stone in a more central and open position to remind all of the sacrifice they gave.

Stephen Walsh, Church Street, Bingley.

Annapurna trek

SIR - International development charity VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas) is offering a thrilling and extraordinary trekking challenge in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Witness the magic of Nepal first hand.

You will journey in the shadow of the breathtaking Annapurnas, which offers some of the finest trekking in the world. You will have a chance to visit a VSO project and see how the money you have raised will be used to help the lives of others.

VSO need people to raise vital money for their work in Nepal and around the world. Without this they would be unable to continue sending volunteers to some of the world's poorest communities to work with them to build a better future for themselves.

Places are limited so call the VSO Events Hotline 020 8780 7289 today or e-mail lisa.russell@vso.org.uk for further information.

I'm supporting the work of VSO, now it's your turn!

Colin Firth, VSO, Putney Bridge Road, London.

Looks like curtains

SIR - Several reasons are given for the spread of infection in hospitals, usually the lack of hand-washing, sometimes the state of the cleaning process. But in my opinion, one of the reasons could be the curtains around each bed.

I was told that in one particular ward, they hadn't been changed for several months and I consider that to be appalling.

M Balka, Springcliffe, Bradford.