Letters to the editor

Sir - As a lifelong anti-fascist and still an active member of the National Union of Journalists, I am perturbed at the BBC's decision to release un-broadcast footage from their brilliant BNP expos to the police.

Naturally, I am anxious everything should be done to drive these criminals into the political wilderness, but this decision runs entirely counter to NUJ policy.

The NUJ, and the BBC, have consistently refused to release such footage to the authorities, despite being threatened with prison sentences and worse, for the simple reason that if people begin to fear this could happen, not only will it hamper future investigations, but it will put investigative journalists in danger.

Journalists often have to deal with dodgy sources, from CIA and MI5 moles to members of terrorist organisations (often these are the same people!), and in many parts of the world, which do not have our tradition of press freedom, it is difficult to persuade them we do not represent the British government.

If they feel we are going to hand over footage to people they regard as their enemies, it will give them carte blanche to treat journalists as 'the enemy', which puts reporters at risk.

Karl Dallas, Church Green, Bradford.

Taxi mystery

Sir - In light of the reported incidents concerning taxis and private hire cars, can anyone explain why there are so many cars running around Bradford with Leeds licensing plates?

I have seen an increasing amount of these vehicles carrying passengers all over the district and wondered what controls there are over these operators and who should one report them to in the event of bad driving, licensing queries etc?

In view of some of the comments from the licensing office, are drivers going to Leeds if refused in Bradford ?

A Wilkinson, Avondale Crescent, Shipley.

l A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "There are a lot of Leeds drivers who live in Bradford so they could simply be going to and from work or driving their families about on day to day journeys.

"Bad driving should be reported to the police and licensing queries should be reported to the licensing authority, in this case Leeds. Every local authority has its own criteria re licensing drivers."

Disgraceful, City

SIR - I have watched football every season in Bradford for the last 40 years, ten years at Bradford Park Avenue in the football league and 30 years at Bradford City.

I have a 25-year season ticket which I purchased for £2,500, issued by Bradford City. I have been informed this ticket will not give me admittance to watch football. Therefore, I have requested a full refund on my purchase or be allowed to watch football.

Unfortunately Bradford City will not give me either, which apart from being dishonourable is probably illegal and is certainly disgraceful behaviour.

Call me old-fashioned but I thought when you paid your money for a seat you watched a match. Even in the dark days of Bradford Park Avenue 1964-1974, you paid and saw football.

The fact is the fat lady is getting ready to sing Bradford City. Get your act together or I and many others will be watching football across the city at one "Floreat Park Avenue," "Nulli Secundus."

Philip Anthony Sutcliffe, Moorville Drive, Birkenshaw, Bradford.

Taking A Stand

Sir - Anti-social behaviour makes peoples' lives a misery and blights communities. It isn't fair that the selfish few - the louts, the yobs, and the nuisance neighbours - should be allowed to ride roughshod over

everyone else.

Tackling anti-social behaviour is a priority for the Government and we have taken steps to give organisations the powers and resources to win back their communities.

In every town there are people and organisations already making a real difference, tackling anti-social behaviour in their communities - helping in a youth centre, running a resident's group or Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, or organising community clean-ups.

We want to recognise this work which is why we a running the Taking A Stand Award scheme for the second year. I am asking the public to nominate local people who have decided to tackle anti-social behaviour and help to put a stop to it.

Entries for the Taking A Stand Awards are invited until September 28. The overall winner will receive £5,000 and 100 winners nationwide will receive £1,000 to help fund their local projects.

Winners will also be offered a specialist programme to help build their skills and confidence in tackling other local problems and help people in a similar situation.

Call 0800 085 2980 or visit www.takingastand.org for a nomination form.

Hazel Blears MP, Minister of State, Home Office

The wrong book

SIR - The leader of the BNP appears to have made a deep study of the Koran. It is perhaps unfortunate that he has not studied the Ten Commandments.

Harry Tordoff, Carr Bottom Grove, Bradford.

Famine query

SIR - In the "On this day" section (T&A, July 13) you quote from 1985 when two Live Aid concerts raised £50 million for famine relief in Africa.

There have been many more similar concerts and other money-raising efforts which have amassed hundreds of millions of pounds for similar charitable purposes.

My question for anyone who can answer is: Are any former famine-stricken countries now relieved of that description, or better still, are any former "Third World" countries now promoted to "First World"?

If not it would appear that the organising of these concerts and campaigns is simply a recurring process, for immediate relief, with no permanent resolution.

Basil P Hirst, Westfield Lane, Wyke.

Happy memories

Sir - I have just discovered your website and find it very interesting. I particularly liked the Snapshots of your memories.

I was a policeman in Bradford from 1959 to 1961 so got to know the centre of the city quite well.

It's funny that, although I have returned there twice since moving to New Zealand in 1965, my mind still mainly sees Bradford as it was before all the changes that have occurred.

One of the letters you published was from a Mr S Wytcherley. This took me back to the late fifties because my first real girlfriend was a Maurine Wytcherley from Bradford. I wonder if there is a connection.

I loved my time working in Bradford and am pleased I can now keep in touch with it.

John Brooks, Normandale Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand.

Matter of opinion

SIR - Last July a local businessman was jailed following an arson attack on Manningham Labour Club. His motive was a matter for speculation but the fact that several people were trapped inside would have been considered relevant. Your headline when reporting this case was 'What drove him to do this?' (fairly low key considering the oft-placarded 'fury' and 'outrage'.)

A letter I wrote to you along these lines was acknowledged, stating it was your job to report the facts and not use opinionated language.

Twelve months on your article on the BNP documentary was prefaced by a headline referring to 'Mission of Hate'. I wonder which of the two stories is more or less worthy of each headline? Perhaps they could apply equally to both or do actions speak louder than words?

John Dewhirst, Tower Street, Bradford.

l EDITOR'S NOTE: Your letter quotes, out of context, the headline on a follow-up story questioning the motives of Mohammed Ilyas, which was an accurate reflection of the court hearing it reported. Earlier headlines had talked of "a vile orgy of violence" and of "victims cowering in terror". Like that on the BNP report, they were all accurate reflections of the story.

Killing germs

SIR - Re the MRSA bug in hospitals, I have been ill for some time and I go to St Luke's and the Royal Infirmary and I have no concern about facilities.

Everybody blames the hospitals, but what about the patients? I bet some of them bring germs in - I've seen some in a real state.

Everyone on entry to hospital should be examined by a doctor and before they go to the ward they should be made to have a bath like the old days.

Mrs Anita Leigh, Moorgate Avenue, Bradford Moor.