Letters to the Editor

SIR - Mike Priestley suggests that walking in the Lake District is best achieved by arriving at that location by car (Days Out, April 10).

It is not always the case. Catching the Arriva Trains Northern 8.19am service Leeds to Morecambe (Shipley 8.32) changing at Lancaster to arrive Windermere 10.53am, returning 18.09, means a useful 6 hours can be spent in Lakeland. Enough time to explore Southern Lakeland and maybe a quick dash up and down a decent-sized fell.

An earlier service leaves Skipton 05.43 am giving 11 hours of fell walking.

The Stage Coach Bus Co operates an extensive and frequent summer bus service (555) to the main towns and reaches into the remoter areas such as Langdale, Patterdale and Kentmere.

For those wanting an alternative and environmentally-friendly way to travel, public transport can offer some surprise visits.

Ring Traveline 0870 6082608 for the Laekland Explorer scenic bus routes timetable or try your local tourist information centre.

R J Lacey, Wrose Road, Bradford.

Our poor EU deal

SIR - It now seems possible that Tony Blair may let us have a referendum on the EU. I personally hope so because in spite of pouring millions of pounds into this corrupt organisation which has not been elected by the British people, we are still getting the dirty end of the stick.

As the EU expands with these poorer countries being allowed to join, we will be expected to pay more.

But that is not all. As they join, more and more of our companies are closing down and more of our jobs are being exported abroad.

No matter what excuses they make, the simple truth is that these jobs will be done by people for lower wages.

The latest dire news is that of Terry's of York who have been making chocolate in York for about 240 years. Now they are talking about shedding about 350 workers and moving their jobs to Poland.

Terry's of York sounds better than Terry's of Warsaw.

N Brown, Peterborough Place, Undercliffe.

Sponsor the stand

Sir - I can't believe I'm the only person this has occurred to. Since I haven't read it anywhere, I'll give it a go.

As the debate rages about City supporters wanting Sir Ken Morrison to contribute to the club and the "opposition" claiming it's nobody's business but his how he spends his money, there's a rather large stand at Valley Parade in need of a sponsor. Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc could sponsor that, have their name emblazoned for all to see, the club gets some much-needed brass, honour satisfied and we could put this to bed, for ever and ever Amen.

How's that for lateral thinking?

Geraldine Robinson, Deneside Terrace, Bradford.

City a museum?

Sir - Regarding the current City/ Council debacle. To paraphrase the journal of the first governor of the Plymouth colony of the Pilgrim Fathers (ironically called William Bradford): "What could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness...and what multitudes there might be of men they knew not."

Look upon your desolate wilderness, Bradford Council. You could be helping to oversee the destruction of part of the fabric of this city.

We've seen our famous industries go, why not let the football go? No matter that we were the first holders of a trophy made in this city. No matter that tens of thousands of people - in the good times - will have only memories like their industrial past.

Why not open a City museum in 20 years time when you realise what a mess you helped create?

In the words of one of our songs: "votes, money, power, control".

City fans may not have the money but we have the votes and we CAN spoil your cosy party.

T Palmer, Carricks Close, Bradford.

Plea for a lifeline

Sir - I feel I must comment on the negativity I read every night in the letters to the editor regarding the financial situation at Bradford City.

Yes, I agree it is a failing business at present. Why? Geoffrey Richmond and his infamous six weeks of madness.

If Mr Richmond had kept his feet on the ground instead of trying to turn Bradford City into Manchester United then City wouldn't be in such a dire financial mess

As well as a business, Bradford City is a way of life for ten thousand or so Bradfordians and must not be allowed to die.

This is why the Council must throw a lifeline to save Bradford's only professional football club. Why punish the supporters for something they had no control over?

Darren Simpson, Westfield Lane, Wrose.