A few dictacting to the many...

SIR - Isn't it time we said it like it is regarding Netherlands Avenue? It is a public road and therefore, to my knowledge, any person should have the right to travel up and down it.

As it is at the present moment it is a private road and therefore presumably all the residents will pay to have it repaired as and when necessary.

I know there are many people living on and around Netherlands Avenue who are appalled by what has happened and cannot understand why a small number of people can dictate to the many.

The experiment has failed, so why cannot it be accepted and the barriers taken down immediately so that we can get back to normal?

If there is a problem, it is the difficulty of getting out at the junction with Halifax Road. How about traffic lights or a roundabout? I believe either of these would solve any problems there might be.

John Stead, Rooley Avenue, Bradford.

Reopen the road

SIR - Mr K. Smith (T&A, January 20) is correct about Netherlands Avenue being an access-only road.

Why this came about is subject to all sorts of rumour and innuendo, the popular theory being that in less-accountable times in our councils history a bit of back-scratching was quite common and was done as a 'favour' to an influential resident?

The real truth is that, by common consensus, people ignored this ridiculous restriction and the police were reluctant to police it!

As for Mr Smith's assertion that there are several businesses in Common Road that cause the traffic problems, the only business there is a fish shop.

Mr Smith displays a typical 'I'm alright Jack' attitude and thinks the right to a traffic-free zone is his and his neighbours' exclusive right.

In the interests of fairness to all members of the Low Moor community, I urge Bradford Council to re-open this road.

Andy Hall, Fenwick Drive, Woodside, Bradford.

Ripper outrage

SIR - I agreed with every word of the Editor's Comment (T&A, January 20) regarding the day release of Peter Sutcliffe.

For those who gave permission for this trip, saying it would give the Ripper a sense of closure, they should be made to accompany him to the 13 graves of his victims so that they really understand the word closure.

I cannot imagine the horrors this will bring to the families of the murdered women.

It is absolutely a betrayal of justice that this evil man should be still alive today, and can still torture minds, something the clever, manipulative Ripper will be well satisfied with. He should have been hanged 24years ago and all memory of him buried forever.

Gary Lorriman, North Walk, Harden.

So insensitive

SIR - We were appalled to read in the T&A that Peter Sutcliffe had been allowed out of prison on day release to attend the site where his father's ashes were scattered.

We believe he should have been shown as much compassion as he showed to his numerous victims, which was none.

We both agree with MP Terry Rooney's statement that it was wrong and insensitive.

It is about time governments, judges, lawyers and probation officers started thinking more about the victims of crime rather than the perpetrators.

We know if it was up to the public at large this man would have been condemned to death as he so rightly deserved, along with a host of others!

Allen and June Buckley, Bridgeview Drive, Cape Woolamai 3925, Australia.

Help still needed

SIR - On behalf of us all at UNICEF, we would like to thank all your readers for their generous response to UNICEF's Asia Tsunami Children's Emergency Appeal.

These donations have enabled UNICEF to continue its vital life-saving work in all the tsunami-affected countries. We have already provided hundreds of tonnes of supplies including water tanks, jerry cans, tents, water purification tablets, soaps, laundry powder, vaccines, micronutrients, supplementary food for infants, and school supplies.

In addition we have experts on the ground to rehabilitate schools, provide water and sanitation facilities, health services, trauma counselling and child registration and family reunification services.

UNICEF is now focusing on the long-term recovery plans for the affected countries. Over the next three years, we will work with governments and other local partners to restore schools, health centres, safe water systems and other fundamental services to ensure children stay alive and well. UNICEF estimates that this will cost at least £150 million so we will need your help for some time to come.

Readers wishing to donate to the UNICEF Tsunami appeal should make cheques payable to UNICEF UK and send them to UNICEF Asia Tsunami Children's Appeal, PO Box 1800, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 4UG.

Louise Coles, Regional Fundraising Manager UNICEF UK.

£1,000 raised

SIR - I would like to thank the Editor Mr Perry Austin-Clarke and the staff of the Telegraph & Argus for their support with the sale of my book Bradford's Own.

Also, I would like to thank the many people who attended my book signings at Morrison's Stores on the build-up to Christmas.

You will be pleased to know that the sale of the book raised £1,000 for the Lord Mayor's Appeal for Manorlands which will be presented to the Lord Mayor within the next few weeks.

My thanks also to the management and staff of Waterstones, Bradford, for their tremendous support. I believe that the book was the store's best selling non-fiction book over the Christmas period.

My thanks again to all concerned and the many acclamations received from all sections of the community.

Derek A J Lister, author Bradford's Own, Southlands Grove, Bingley.

Book appeal

SIR - I am writing a book about the living and working conditions of textile workers in Bradford between 1920 and 1970.

I wondered whether any of the readers might have memories they would like to share.

The book will focus on the types of jobs carried out in the mills, rules and regulations, working conditions and how workers spent their leisure time.

If anyone can help, could they please contact me at the address below or evenings on (01943) 830310.

Mrs Rachel Bellerby, Rosegarth, Moor Lane, Addingham.

A superb panto

SIR - Congratulations to Billy Pearce (left) and all the members of the Dick Whittington pantomime at the Alhambra. It was superb.

Dennis Rhodes, Allerton Road, Bradford.