SIR - According to the T&A of October 14, street crime has fallen by 16 per cent since April after the Government launched its crackdown under the scheme known as Street Crime Initiative (SCI).

Will the Home Secretary try telling that to the residents of the Undercliffe and Bradford Moor areas, who seem to be daily beset by muggings, bag snatching, car-jacking, and the occasional shooting?

In the Otley Road area we seem to be suffering a surfeit of youngsters of both sexes running around in gangs, intent on causing as much mayhem as possible by thieving and vandalism on a large scale.

The police do what they can with limited resources and without the full backing of the judiciary when a few of these "toe rags" are brought to book, so perhaps the parents and guardians could be seen to be asserting some of their parental control.

Truancy at Bradford's schools is the third highest in the country, and who would doubt the link between truancy and crime?

Perhaps vigilantes along the lines of those Asian members of our population who virtually rid Lumb Lane of its 'Red Light' district tag are the answer to Bradford's appalling street crimes.

Donald Firth, Harrogate Street, Bradford 3.

SIR - Re Joan Foulds's comments in the T&A on October 10. Unfortunately there seems to be some confusion as to exactly what we are offering our customers.

On September 29 the concessionary fare increased from 20p to 30p. We decided to run a promotion using our FirstCard to keep the concessionary fare at the old price for as long as possible. We value our customers and appreciate that any fare increases are unwanted.

With the FirstCard there are many benefits as well as saving money on off-peak concessionary fares in October. For example it is a convenient way of travelling on the bus without having to carry money. Another benefit is that all customers using the FirstCard can earn BusMiles every time they load cash on to the card. As well as this there is the October 2-for-1 offer for off-peak bus users after 7pm on all adult single fares.

We are also looking into the possibility of extending the off-peak offers until the end of the year.

Anyone who requires any further details or information on any of our promotions should contact a member of the marketing team on Bradford 734833.

Gabriella Liebig, Marketing Office, First Bradford, Bowling Back Lane, Bradford.

SIR - Karl Dallas should not get too misty-eyed over his beloved Stop The War March in London (Letters, October 3). Peaceniks have always allowed themselves to be aligned to dubious characters on their campaigns, and this was certainly no exception.

Anti-Semite crazies were there in abundance peddling the worst kind of racism. Some of them strapped dummy bombs to their chests in order to celebrate the butchery of innocent civilians.

It's intriguing that Karl Dallas and his intellectual brothers turn a blind eye to this when their usual high ideals condemn any sort of racism! Of course the police thought it prudent to ignore this extreme form of racist behaviour in their desire to be seen to be sensitive.

I find it strange that there are no rallies to condemn Mugabe or Saddam Hussein, or the Islamic fundamentalist rulers who seek to stone to death a woman who gave birth out of wedlock.

Dare I say that the CND and the assorted fringe left-wing parties have always been a little too selective in whom they condemn? The mainstream populous have a little better perspective about real justice in the world because they have no political agenda to abide by.

John Masters, Kirk Lane, Yeadon.

SIR - It's all very well that our sleazy councillors think that lap-dancing is culture but they don't have to tolerate the "respectable" marketing materials we are now receiving in the form of invitations from Monroes to their special corporate weekends.

One thing I can't work out is whether I'm supposed to bring my female colleagues along for audition or to encourage them to express their feelings of alternate sexuality.

One might also speculate whether the website address www.monroeslap.co.uk is an abreviation of "monroes lap dancing" or "monroe slappers" - so wonderfully ambiguous!

David Simpson, Hirst Avenue, Heckmondwike

SIR - Instead of Bradford Council spending huge amounts of money on a work of art to welcome people to the city, they should get their priorities in order.

For instance, the number of unadopted streets around Bradford is appalling. Queensbury is the worst, plus lots of others, including our own down the backs.

Old and young alike have to hobble and trip over uneven, stony, slippy ground day after day, and have done for years while the Council turns a blind eye.

We council taxpayers should be considered first, before any artwork, unwanted by most and which will most likely end up a target for vandals.

Mrs G M Hall, Hollingwood Lane, Bradford 7.

SIR - Last Wednesday morning (October 16), just past the trading estate at Guiseley, a car some 200 yards in front of me ran over a cat. The driver did not stop.

I stopped along with two pedestrians. A young man was kind enough to help me place the injured cat in my car and gave me directions to the nearest vet. Sadly the cat died before I could get it there.

I am writing to thank the two people who had the compassion to stop and help and to the veterinary staff who were gentle, professional and supportive.

I also write in the hope that the cat's owners will read this. It was obviously a pet, well-fed and well-groomed and although badly injured, purred when I stroked it. It was a large black-and-white long-haired (there was no collar or ID tag so I could not contact the owners personally).

I want them to know that some of us cared enough about their pet to stop and try to save it - and that she/he didn't die alone in the gutter.

Councillor Maxine Hepworth (Labour, Keighley North), c/o City Hall, BD1.

SIR - Once again the mindless yobs are on the loose causing mayhem with fireworks. What happened to the bye-law regarding the sale/letting off of these lethal objects? Something was going to be done about what has become a serious matter.

The T&A of October 14 carried a story of a firework put through a letter box, something that has also happened in my locality, at least to two houses. Is it going to take a fatality to get something done?

The majority of firework-throwing is by young ones. Where are they buying the fireworks?

Come on Bradford Council, why the delay in producing the bye-law? I believe everyone is heartily sick of the constant bangs, something we get 12 months a year.

Mrs Joyce Bean, Lilycroft Walk, Bradford 9

SIR - Re remarks made by John Ruding (T&A, October 21). I assume he was "nobbut a lad" at the time of the last Fire Service strike, maybe living with parents and sheltered financially.

We were trying to bring up three children, and it was hard due to the low rate of pay of fire personnel. Many reasonable efforts were made to come to agreement prior to the last strike, which was actually insisted on by members, not the union management.

Of course the present fire staff are anxious and worried. I recall how it was last time - awful. Why must the onus be on the men and women of the service to withdraw? Let the Government and employers feel the responsibility to pay well for a good job done.

Could Councillor Ruding explain why residential homes for the elderly and schools are being considered for closure, and why when the Social Services budget is over £4 million in the red, councillors have voted to give themselves a 40 per cent increase in expenses?

Will John Ruding forgo his council salary for the duration of the strike?

Sheila M Wilson, Briarfield Close, Idle.