Retailers deserting city (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Retailers deserting city

8:33am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Readers' letters By Telegraph & Argus

SIR – I was saddened to read the news that the former Fattorini’s store is to close in the city centre, ending an association going back to 1846. Yet another element of Bradford's heritage is lost forever.

However, what is absolutely incredulous is the political rhetoric being churned out by Councillor Green about the future prospects for the revitalisation of the city centre.

Bradford retailers’ leader Val Summerscales has criticised the Council for its lack of support for the few surviving genuine small businesses in the centre and the folly of increasing on-street parking charges.

Councillor Green states: “I don’t think they are a major factor.” On what grounds?

Mrs Summerscales has exposed the consultation exercise as a sham. How can we have any confidence in the political hierarchy?

Meanwhile, the Westfield saga rolls on and the developers have been conspicuous by their silence.

Are we going to see a start on the development this summer, or will this long-running saga carry on into 2013 and beyond, by which time Bradford city centre will have become an even bigger retail desert.

Never mind, perhaps the Council will import some sand into the City Park to sit alongside the Oasis to be known as the Mirror Pool and, to top it off, arrange camel rides for children during the school holidays!

Tony Culley, Nicholson Close, Bingley