SIR – I often get accused of wearing rose-tinted glasses, however, no excuses can be made for how some of the city centre looks at present.

There is clearly a shop vacancy problem and this has lead to some vacant buildings being neglected.

The old Zavvi store has broken and dirty windows and graffiti; it once housed one of the city’s premier department stores.

The old Mashed bar on Ivegate has a crumbling facade, broken glass plus unsightly bins in its doorway.

Where the cash machine was removed on North Parade, it remains boarded up and spoils the look of the ‘best looking’ city centre street.

The long closed New Pack Horse pub contributes to the ramshackle looking building on the corner of Westgate and John Street.

The flagship regeneration project, City Park, is set to open onto a backdrop of a decaying former cinema and a boarded-up pub.

The city centre looks unkempt and unloved and much more of an effort should be made to create a better image.

For example, empty shop windows could be dressed with artwork with help from the local students.

It is time to show Bradford some love.

Jack MacPherson, Killinghall Road, Bradford