SIR – The word “demise” was aptly chosen to signify the passing of Bradford Centre Regeneration (T&A, March 15) – the principal dictionary definitions of this word are failure and death.

So now we know the truth. BCR was killed off because it had failed!

Incidentally, when Bradford is in such a parlous state, can somebody please tell me why we need to spend at least £20m on a new Magistrates Court when the old one is still obviously usable, unless the advising consultants claim it is riddled with asbestos and structurally unsound.

According to the sage C Northcote Parkinson, organisations start to go down-hill when they take their eye of their prime purpose and concentrate on the presumed kudos derived from being able to afford more palatial premises. This cap appears to fit our Council in more than one instance, for in spite of our chief executive saying, “there are no plans for the Council to move into New Victoria Place”, the rumours are stronger than ever that that is the intention.

No doubt the reason will be “force majeure” resultant from the acceptance of the demise of the Westfield project and non-availability of office space therein.

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon