SIR – I often ruminate, and did so after reading that Stead and Simpson was to close (T&A, January 5). Once again, the mothballed Westfield shopping centre got the blame.

But long before this Australian company appeared on the scene, Bradford saw the demise of Busby’s, Brown Muff, OS Wain, Dewhurst’s butchers, Dunn’s outfitters, Gallons, Albert Hanson, Thrift Stores et al.

What caused these well-established businesses to close down?

David Rhodes, Croscombe Walk, Bradford