SIR - Re your article Former Bradford ‘legal hub’ blighted by rats and rubbish, prompted by my recent letter. How is it that the so-called leaders of this city remain in complete denial as to everyday issues like this?

Do they really think it's a good idea to commit millions to chasing a pointless gong - City of Culture - when the majority of its inhabitants scorn the very notion and the streets are litter-strewn dumps? Or are they pursuing this as a deflection tactic to mask their utter ineptitude?

There is grand talk of a new railway station driven, one suspects, because it’s ultimate refusal will allow further misguided blame on the government. Boris does not give a stuff about Bradford because his Blue Wall will never get a foothold in the certain seats here. He might be a chancer but he knows this for sure.

There is a continued exodus with population only propped up by a high birth rate. Our city centre is viewed as a no-go area by many who have better choices all around. The educated young have few reasons to stay. A tragedy for a once great city.

Steve Wilson, Lenton Villas, Idle