SIR – Further to the phenomenon of houses in Bradford falling down mine shafts. We in Wrose are fully aware of these happenings, especially we oldies.

Some time ago, in the 1950s I think, a shaft opened up in what is now known as Eccleshill United Football Field, then it was just a field. A concrete slab was put over it, then covered. Within weeks it grassed over and was lost to view. It is still there, but I’ll bet you no-one knows just where.

I understand, more recently, foundations of a house being built in the All Alone area ‘fell in’. A concrete ‘barge’ had to be inserted before further building could commence.

Many years ago, in Wrose, there was an elderly lady who had an ancient map showing the locations of all the mine shafts on Idle Moor.

Whenever building applications were made to Bradford Council, she would attend meetings, show the map and planning was rejected. Eventually, as happens to all of us, this lady died (well, she was in her 90s). What happened to the map, no-one knows. Soon afterwards, guess what? Building started on the honeycombed land.

We are lucky on Plumpton as we are only built on a swamp, but doesn’t it make you think.

J Lewis Nicholl, Plumpton Gardens, Wrose, Bradford