SIR – The report about vacant shops in Bradford city centre (T&A, February 15) made stultifying reading regardless of which figure we believe – the Local Data Company at 25.3 per cent or the Council’s figure of 18 per cent; either means the continuing erosion of this once great and very rich city.

Many vacant retail units create a domino effect and they kill the trade of the remaining shops that continue to struggle.

A dearth of betting shops and amusement arcades does nothing to increase normal retailing.

The old city needs a kickstart, and I feel the only proposal before us at present that would create such a catalyst would be the cross-city rail-link with a single station located at one end of the Westfield Shopping development, which should commence within the next five years or sooner.

This is a bold and imaginative plan, but it is time to grasp the nettle. The opportunity on the ground will not remain available forever, thus positive decisions require confirmation.

Yes, there are problems – finance is one of them, but the death of Bradford city centre will cost much more in the long-run.

Alan Chapman, Beck Lane, Bingley