Letters to the Editor

SIR - If any prospective new learner-driver wants to practise hazard manoeuvres he or she should do a spot of Oak Lane cruising.

They can brush up on their reflexes driving behind the drivers who never signal left or right and emerge from side streets irrespective of the gap.

The learner will also learn a high level of tolerance when they have to halt while a couple of drivers from opposite directions decide to stop for a talk.

But the biggest test (ideal for 'the emergency stop' practice) is avoiding the pedestrians who spill out into the road to walk around the cars parked on pavements.

The much-maligned police force, who are located yards away from this road, should be commended for allowing this learner-driver training facility to continue.

Why uphold law and order when it has such rich benefits?

As for my work colleagues who avoid this road like the plague, they have no sense of challenge or adventure.

Tony Marchant, Heaton Park Drive, Heaton.

Population facts

SIR - A recent letter on immigration into this country (T&A, June 22) asserted that when Nick Toczek's parents came to the UK the population was only one third the size that it is now. The suggestion was that there was room then for incomers.

I suspect that they arrived in the late 30s and in 1939 the population was just under 48 million.

At the last UK census in 2001 it has risen to 59 million and in every year bar one in that period the increase was mainly the result of more births than deaths.

The debate on the movement of people is not helped by such inaccurate statements.

Keith Thomson, Heights Lane, Bradford.

Inaccurate claims

Sir - Since Manningham Ward Labour Club's destruction in the riots, our committee has worked hard with the aim of a new club rising out of the ashes.

I was dismayed to read Mr Cunningham's letter claiming to plead on behalf of the members for information about our new club.

As a former committee man, members might assume his claims were accurate. Not so. He claims we "have the money". We have not. The insurance claim remains pending.

He claims "we have the land". We have not. The new land is part of a multi-party deal. Others are not yet ready to proceed - we are. There is nothing more this committee can do in that regard. Finding land was a huge problem. With support from many, notably Bradford Council (especially Coun Greenwood), land is available in Bullroyd Lane. Even though we do not yet own it, surveys are complete, plans approved, and tenders received. So immediately on completion, we are ready to build.

Our loyal membership for whose support since that awful day I am so grateful still numbers several hundred, and I don't believe Mr Cunningham speaks for them.

I share their frustration at our homelessness and the delays. But we will succeed.

Graham Hare, President, Manningham Ward Labour Club.

Planning puzzle

SIR - A recent report of the transportation, design and planning director stated that the Broadway development complies with the requirements of the National Planning Guidance 13 (PPG 13).

However, PPG 13, paragraph 1.6.10, requires local authorities "to protect sites and routes which could be critical in developing infrastructure to wider transport choices for both passenger and freight movement." Bradford Rail User Group has been urging Bradford Council to protect a rail corridor between the two stations, in compliance with PPG 13, so a through line could be built in the future.

A through line would "widen transport choices for both passenger and freight movements, as the north of Bradford would be connected to the south, and would allow cross-city journeys.

Yet, despite the obvious benefits of cross-rail and the recommendations of PPG 13, Bradford Council has refused to protect a rail corridor, despite claiming to observe PPG 13.

BRUG would be interested to learn how Bradford Council intends to justify this apparent contradiction.

Alec Suchi, Allerton Road, Allerton.

Spoiling the view

SIR - It remains to be seen how many people use the proposed footbridge to be built between the new shopping centre and the Law Courts, but this bridge will spoil the views of the Telegraph & Argus buildings, old and new, St George's Hall and Britannia House when coming into the city centre via Leeds Road.

They are all major buildings in Bradford's cityscape and I think we should enjoy uninterrupted views of them all.

Iain Morris, Caroline Street, Saltaire.

We're on the move

SIR - Eureka. Bradford is now being "fast-tracked" for the Broadway Shopping Scheme (T&A, June 23).

The Government and John Prescott in particular are often unfairly criticised for dragging their feet on planning issues. Let's now hope all parties unite to ensure the success of the development, and that major business and shopping groups are encouraged to locate into our city centre.

This is our last chance to emulate other cities, which all Bradfordians deserve. The outlined Odsal development should proceed but the proposed scheme at West Bowling Golf Club must be shelved.

The land must be returned to green belt as the gateway to a "a new Bradford".

Coun David A Robinson, Greenacre Drive, Wyke.

Missed opportunity

Sir - Tell the City fans to leave Avenue alone. They have a perfect set-up at Horsfall and owe no money to anyone. They may have a small following, but they do enjoy their football.

Maybe City should have gone ahead with the option of moving from Valley Parade to Park Avenue, which they were looking at in 1979, as set out in On This Day (T&A June 18), when they had the chance.

The ground was bigger than Valley Parade at the time. Just think, a top-class ground with a cricket ground as well.

For the benefit of younger City fans, Avenue was the same as Headingley in Leeds is now, only bigger.

Why the football ground was demolished, God only knows.

B Barraclough, New Works Road, Low Moor

You 'sow', Helen!

SIR - Once again Helen Mead (T&A, June 28) feels it necessary to belittle the entire male population; presumably on account of her husband's foibles - which she feels obliged to share with us from time to time.

The repressive attitude of female libbers emanates a somewhat vague superiority over their male partners and, in Helen's case, is expressed by relating to her seemingly "hen-pecked other half" as little more than a combined house-pet/walking shelf-erector.

It's high time the term "male chauvinist pig" had its contrary term for women. How about "female pseudo-egalitarian sow?"

I'm sure women's libbers like Helen would treat it with equally good spirit!

Geoff Whitaker, Carbottom Avenue, Bradford.

Thanks for help

SIR - On Saturday our grandson, aged nine, went missing. After searching for an hour, with help from our neighbours, we decided to ring the police. They were prompt, efficient and calming.

Our grandson, unbeknown to us, was safe and well one street away. He'd taken it upon himself to go to a friend's house, but did not tell us he was going.

Unaware of the fuss, just as they were going to scramble the helicopter, he came strolling around the corner.

I would like to thank the policemen and our neighbours, especially the Khans, for all their help.

Sylvia Wood, Gladstone Street, Bradford.