Water way to solve all our problems!

SIR - The current proposal for a 'grand' water feature in the centre of Bradford is far too timid.

If we really stretched our imaginations, we could come up with a single approach which would save millions on the futile city centre rebuilding programme, solve inner-city crime at a stroke and also produce enough free and renewable energy to bring a smile even to Keith Thomson's face.

All we need to do is erect a huge dam on Canal Road between Manningham Lane and Bolton Road, install a hydro-electric generator, then fill the whole city centre basin with water.

Result - one enormous lake, a haven for wildlife with no crime, but a continuing revenue earner as we sell the free electricity to the needy consumers in the real growth city of Leeds.

OK, Bradford itself would be wiped off the face of the map, but so would all its problems and scuba divers could still visit the old Odeon in perpetuity!

Now that's what I call a water feature.

Graham Hoyle, Kirkbourne Grove, Baildon, Shipley.

Pond's a winner!

SIR - Once again Bradford is at the bottom end of the education tables.

In the same week we are told Bradford Council wants to spend the thick end of half a billion on a water feature in the city centre.

Let's get this in perspective - along with all our other well-documented failing social indices. Which would we rather have - an educated, healthy, crime-free, environmentally-aware society or a pond with giant plastic mushrooms around City Hall? (What, no gnomes?)

Well, the answer is obvious - the pond is a clear winner every time! Honestly, the stupid questions that our councillors get asked sometimes.

M Long, Greenside Lane, Bradford.

Mistake to arm

SIR - I am against the routine arming of police. Officers now permitted to carry firearms are specially selected and trained and even they are not proof against making mistakes resulting in the death of innocents.

Officers of lesser ability will obviously make more mistakes resulting in more deaths.

The argument that other countries arm their police is not valid until we know the numbers of innocents accidentally killed in these countries.

Regarding the death penalty, no matter how compelling the evidence produced there is still the possibility of errors and there is no way to rectify a miscarriage of justice.

Any legislation protecting officers from being shot, ie mandatory life sentences for carrying a firearm during a crime, must be available..

The recent killing of a man in Bradford trying to prevent a robbery shows we are also at a risk.

The government must find a way to deal with the escalation of gun crime in this country, previous efforts have failed dismally.

Derrick Hargreaves, Middlebrook Crescent, Fairweather Green, Bradford.

Not the answer

SIR - Michael Breen writes (T&A, November 25): "The time has come to bring back capital punishment."

No, Mr Breen, the time has not come. In fact, the time will never come.

I can justify that uncompromising statement in just one sentence. The death penalty can never be reinstated because no mechanism exists to bring it about. End (as they say) of story!

As for Mr Breen's claim that only one per cent of the public oppose capital punishment, this marks the spot where wishful thinking spills over into self-delusion.

However, I reserve a genuine anger for those MPs who, in order to court easy popularity, proclaim their faith in hanging while knowing better than anyone that they will never, ever have to put their votes where their mouths are.

I find it infinitely sad that the death of a brave, dedicated young woman should spark calls for yet more death.

Peter Wilson, Thornhill Grove, Calverley.

Paying the price

SIR - Re the letter 'Don't follow George Best's example' by G B Lambert (T&A, December 1), I agree up to a point that the former footballer's death through alcoholism should serve as a warning to others.

But I would point out that Best is not wholly to blame for what happened to him.

Alcoholism can affect anyone. Imagine what it must have been like for a football superstar like Best in the 1970s, with all the stress of being in the public eye, having large amounts of money, coupled with being expected to live a lifestyle built around alcohol and endless parties.

It's little surprise he fell victim to such potent temptations like excessive drinking.

George Best was a great man but sadly being great and famous has a price tag.

R Halliday, Crag Road, Shipley.

Interesting list

SIR - This morning my wife remarked "Whatever happened to TIM, the speaking clock?" I didn't know, but looked in the local phone book, the Bradford 2005/6 edition, and there on page 12 was the answer. You dial "123" to get a sponsored service.

However, what caught my eye was the item above which stated: "For a full list of MPs and MEPs please refer to Members of Parliament . . . in the Business listings". I did what it suggested and, surprise, surprise, the entry read: "See Government Offices".

Undaunted, I turned back a few pages to find a most interesting section. Sure, there were a few Government offices and yes, there were some MPs too, though not all and certainly no MEPs. The MPs were listed by surname which wasn't as helpful as it could be.

But what else was listed under "Government Offices"? Why, the Air Training Corps and, would you believe it, Cross Hills and District Conservative Club!

Will the new Conservative leader ensure that such subordination is rooted out forthwith.

Quentin Fowler, Hasley Road, Burley-in-Wharfedale.

Wonderful show

SIR - May I, through the medium of your excellent paper, convey my appreciation of the wonderful Messiah, performed on Sunday, December 4 at St George's Hall.

Shame about the sparse audience, because those who didn't turn up missed excellent soloists, an inspired orchestra, and as for the chorus - incomparable, given the sadly-depleted male section.

Once again, on behalf of my daughter and myself, our heartfelt thanks to all concerned.

Mrs M Hardman, Church Street, Manningham.

Appeal to MPs

SIR - I read the reports of the shooting in Bradford with an open mind. Also, the discussion on arming the police, the Home Secretary's amnesty plan and MP Marsha Singh's rejection of the death penalty, saying his fellow MPs agree.

I don't think they are addressing the wishes of the people in the UK.

MPs have made a secret, all-party pact to not discuss capital punishment in the House of Commons. I want them to do the opposite.

If they did what we, the public, wanted for a change, then they might become useful Members of Parliament.

Guns are being used for the wrong reason in every country in the world. It is time to get rid of them and stop police carrying them.

Walter Hanson, Musgrave Mount, Eccleshill.

Food for thought

SIR - Regarding the many letters stating that all police should be armed with guns, may I question the wisdom of this. For about 20 years ago I read a West Indian newspaper where the Governor Bradshaw said a good number of policemen had been killed by villains in Kingston, Jamaica, just to be robbed of the guns they carried.

Food for thought.

Harry N Cooke, Stubley Farm Road, Heckmondwike.