SIR - So the Council have decided to allow the demolition of the Branch Hotel in Shipley to go ahead; to what end?

Reading the article in the T&A of June 14, the official meeting to discuss the demolition, it appears, the decision was nothing to do with the proposed roadworks but simply to allow the demolition to go ahead.

As quoted, the chairman of the panel stated that 'if a new road was built in her life time she would be surprised'. That is also my view. I have lived in Shipley for over 50 years.

Another quote from the meeting is that he site would be transformed into a green open space until any roadworks began. Are they aware that the Branch car park accessed via Otley Road used to be a functional garage selling petrol? There will probably be petrol storage tanks still in place under the ground which will could be a health and safety issue at this time.

Without any firm proposals for major road improvements, the issue will appear to go ahead and the Branch will disappear, but traffic flow will not improve.

In conclusion,the proposal to demolish the Branch should be stopped at this time.

D Ratcliffe, Redburn Road, Shipley