SIR – The planners of Bradford seem intent on systematically destroying the heritage of our once great city, particularly Heaton village.

It is time the old historic areas were appreciated and enabled to exist alongside the new without the destruction of communities.

Long-established Heaton families are leaving the area as it becomes, to quote your paper on November 19, “an inner city area” and not what it really is – a rural haven with amenities for all.

With planning passed for over 200 new residences on the edge of Heaton and 27 exorbitantly priced homes proposed for the middle of Heaton village; no school places, as all schools within a three-mile radius are over-full; doctors, dentists and other necessities oversubscribed, the infrastructure is unable to cope now.

I hate to think of the effect on our young people with nowhere to play or exercise – no wonder people are becoming fearful.

The whole of Heaton is slowly being absorbed into becoming an annex of Manningham.

Planners have successfully removed the heart of Bradford and now they seem intent on removing the hearts of our historic urban villages as well as the hearts of the residents and visitors.

Elizabeth Hellmich, chairman, Heaton Township Association