SIR - The report (T&A, April 14) headed "Dogs to patrol former schools," was an indication that Bradford Council and the police are taking a very positive step to reduce the acts of vandalism, arson, etc, presently being perpetrated against private and public properties, and a scheme which I have advocated for some time now.

I would like to see the scheme extended to our parks and cemeteries, which appear to be constant targets for the "brain-dead" residents of Bradford, and assist the motorised park rangers in their efforts.

If I happened to be a miscreant creating havoc in my local park (Peel) and I was asked to desist by a park ranger or a policeman dog handler, then I know of whom I would take notice.

Linford Christie wouldn't see me for dust!

In fact, it might just be the perfect answer, to once again have our parks patrolled by rangers with dogs on a permanent basis, as they used to be some years ago.

Who knows, Bradford could have world-class sprinters and marathon runners at present disguised as vandals!

Donald Firth, Harrogate Street, Undercliffe.

SIR - With regard to the Haworth wheel-clamping letter (T&A, April 16). I used the same car park opposite the Edinburgh Wool Shop on the evening of April 11. I paid and displayed my ticket, but a couple in the vehicle that parked alongside mine did not.

The car park attendant's car quickly appeared and the clamps came out! At which the couple returned and had to negotiate the release of their vehicle!

Like all motorists, I dislike clampers, but anyone who fails to see the signs in this particular Haworth car park is asking for trouble.

It clearly states on entering the car park that failure to display your parking ticket will result in your car being clamped.

Steven Spencer, Yardley Way, Bradford 12.

SIR - It must be one of the less-endearing character traits of the British that we take an inordinately long time to counter things which are obviously contrary to our nation's well-being. That is often taken by foreigners to be a sign of weakness.

But then something inside us snaps and we wake up from our lethargy to tackle the problem with a spirit and determination that mystifies even those who profess to know us intimately. Look at the metric measures madness: petrol-pumps converted to read litres instead of gallons, some councils painting over fingerposts to read kilometres instead of miles, and the weathermen on TV forecasting temperatures in Celsius instead of Fahrenheit.

Such folly should never have been allowed to happen. It wouldn't have done, but for the Heath Government's spaniel-like obedience in 1971 bowing to Brussels pressure!

It's not just kilos and litres or hectares instead of acres. Even knitting needle sizes were changed.

The same government brought in the decimalisation of our currency which by common consent was the cause of the biggest inflationary leap in our nation's history. During the confusion, prices doubled almost overnight.

No wonder there is an ever-increasing protest when it is seen just how serious a blow to our English way of life this madness has been.

E Redman, Strawberry Fields, Keighley.

SIR - Wow! I could hardly believe it. All party leaders in agreement at City Hall (T&A, April 12). Could it be some alien force has landed and threatened civilisation as we know it? Or maybe something completely silly like Bradford being even thought of as cultural?

Nothing so revolutionary, I'm afraid. When all politicians are against the rest of us electing our own mayor, then the idea really must be worth looking at.

Just imagine what it might be like... the people of Bradford might actually get value for money; there'd be an end to political correctness; Thornton would get its swimming baths back; and the politicians... ah, well, maybe they might have to do what the people who elected them want.

On the other hand, if we are to believe what we read, there may even be a mass exodus of politicians from City Hall. That in itself could be the perfect antidote to voter apathy.

Now, where's that ballot paper...?

Steve Newton, Woolcomb Court, Heaton.

SIR - The recent reports about money grants from an Asian "soap" and Asian disability groups made me wonder why, when all the different cultures and creeds are trying to live in harmony, the Asian community seem to want to distance themselves by these actions.

Surely it would be better for groups to join together. Illness and disability affect everyone.

I once spent eight weeks in hospital on a general ward and found that illness breaks down lots of barriers. People suffering seem to share a bond regardless of faith or language.

I don't think these latest actions are helping.

This might be seen as a racial snub at all other people and races and may do more harm than good.

Catherine Alderson, St Margaret's Avenue, Bradford.

SIR - What are we to think about the report that the farmers have been moving animals illegally, helping to spread foot and mouth?

Trading Standards have some 309 cases which have been reported to them. It seems flocks have been exposed to the virus all in the name of greed/compensation etc.

William Hague needs to come off his bandwagon and ask all his farming friends to obey the law. Then he may go up in people's estimation.

F Dickinson, Larkfield Road, Rawdon.

SIR - After watching with admiration the "Pride of Britain" awards on television and seeing these brave children saving lives, I wondered if perhaps it would be a good idea to have "First Aid" taught in school to save more lives.

Mrs J Lee, South Street, Bradford.