Vote welcomed (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Vote welcomed

8:51am Monday 10th September 2007 in Search By Telegraph & Argus

SIR - Bradford people would indeed welcome a referendum on the future of the Odeon, as proposed by UKIP.

How can regeneration chiefs claim the public has been consulted when the three options offered did not include one in which the building could survive and we could comment on but not vote on?

Can BCR and Yorkshire Forward explain how a series of glass blocks are likely to bring visitors to the city? Some could stay in the 100-bedroom hotel but they are unlikely to come to see offices, apartments and an extension of Bradford College.

It is disingenuous to point out the Odeon closed because it was economically unviable.

We all know that if the Odeon had £55 million (the construction cost of New Victoria Place) spent on it, it could be exactly the stunning landmark and attraction Bradford requires.

And is it really the case that any forthcoming planning application will give Bradford people any more of a say in the fate of the Odeon?

Might it be that it will offer us the chance to object to the building of New Victoria Place but not to call for a refurbishment of the outstanding building we already have?

Sheila Bielby, Frizinghall Road, Bradford