Let's celebrate our famous citizens

SIR - After reading Mike Priestley's recent article concerning the book Bradford's Own, I decided to purchase a copy out of sheer curiosity as I could honestly only think of a handful of people who may be in the book.

I have to say that after reading the book I am pleasantly surprised and astounded by the people who come from our area of whom we should be very proud.

It must be asked, however, why are these people not celebrated by our city council? Why did I, and many of my friends not know that many of these people were 'our own"?

Isn't it about time that Bradford spent some of its money on celebrating these people and trying to give many of the people of Bradford its pride back? This book could show the younger generation what can be, has been achieved.

Also, as an afterthought, it would be nice if Bradford University gave out some of its honorary awards to such people - even the author; rather than people that no-one has ever heard of.

Stephen Lewis, Bradford Road, Shipley.

Europe facts

SIR - Gary Lorriman (T&A, July 2) is unhappy that I should, in a previous letter, seek to put into context the true influence of UKIP MPs.

What Mr Lorriman fails to realise is that any decisions concerning Britain's place in Europe will not be taken in Brussels or Strasbourg, but in Westminster. So, to achieve their goal, the UKIP will need a significant presence there.

Sadly for them, however, the British political landscape is littered with the bones of single-issue parties, which have appeared, then disappeared, incinerated in the unforgiving heat of a first-past-the-post electoral system.

So in his more reflective moments, and having removed his rose-coloured spectacles, it would be interesting to know exactly how many UKIP MPs Mr Lorriman expects to see in the Commons after the next general election.

As for his prediction that the EU will self-destruct, a union which has recently grown to 25 members, with other nations eagerly waiting for admission, does not look like an organisation in terminal decline to me.

Peter Wilson, Thornhill Grove, Calverley.

Cameras' failings

SIR - I read with interest the article concerning speed cameras and the news that Bradford is to get 21 cameras at £35,000 plus each (T&A, July 2). I am in no way opposed to these devices. When I was a police traffic officer I dealt with many fatal and serious-injury road traffic collisions. I saw at first hand the appalling suffering and distress these cause and so welcome any efforts to reduce them.

Since 1996 there has been apparently an 11 per cent reduction in the number of traffic officers on our roads. Are the authorities intent on replacing officers with cameras? I hope not for the following reasons:

Speed on its own is not the major cause of collisions. Add to it inattention, carelessness, inexperience, etc.

Cameras can detect only speeding and drivers going through red lights. They do not and cannot detect driving while unfit through drink or drugs; while over the limit of alcohol; driving dangerously, carelessly, while disqualified, without insurance; without a licence; with defective brakes, tyres, steering etc.

By all means install cameras on those roads where serious/fatal collisions take place, and where investigation reveals speed plays a part, but do not forget the more traditional methods of policing.

Brian Pickford, Summerbridge Crescent, Eccleshill.

Customer fear

SIR - The thought of shoppers from throughout West Yorkshire returning to shop in Bradford is enticing, but does the city itself have the customer base to sustain the high street names returning to the city in the new Broadway development?

I certainly hope so, and that the announced closure of yet another famous Bradford shop is not a bad omen.

Iain Morris, Caroline Street, Saltaire

Talent show puzzle

Sir - Is there anyone who remembers the Canadian talent spotter Carol Lewis holding auditions at the Gaumont (New Victoria)?

They were held on the stage and I am trying to find a photograph taken of me at the time.

My dancing days are long gone and my memory needs a little help in remembering the year it was taken so I can find it in the archives.

D Brook, Daffels Wood Close, Dursford Avenue, Bierley

Helping hands

SIR - On behalf of my elderly cousin I would like to thank the two city centre wardens who very kindly helped her at Bradford Interchange when she arrived by coach from London, after a tiring and tedious journey.

They were not only helpful but very cheerful and good ambassadors for Bradford.

Miss S Knight, Norman Lane, Bradford.