SIR – Would the leader or the chief executive of Bradford Council explain why, at a time when the Council tells us that they are having to cut millions from front-line services, they sanctioned the building of a 120cm high wall above the level of the work to support the road along a section of North Bank Road near Cottingley?

The road is relatively quiet with a 30mph limit, and has no significant record of any accidents.

Could they please tell us: a) what the regulations are that state it needs to be this height; b) what the cost has been; c) do they intend to build along the entire length of the road; d) if so, what that cost might be, and e) what is the cost of repairs to the kerbs, pavement and the drains which have been damaged by the contractors vehicles going to be.

Is it to protect cars and the refuse lorries which is about the only HGV that uses the road? If this is the case, can they explain why motorways carrying vast volumes of traffic only need barriers 60cm high? The recently renovated wall on Cottingley bridge is only 90cm high.

Or is it for the safety of walkers and cyclists who enjoy the extensive view but can now barely see over it? If this is the reason, does the Council intend to build walls around every open space in the district?

D Shields, North Bank Road, Bradford