Letters to the Editor

SIR - I noticed contradictory, but complementary, pieces in the T&A on January 20.

Two correspondents complained about the effects of racism on white Bradfordians. Opposite was a description of the damaging effects of daily anti-Pakistani and anti-Muslim racism on young "Asian" men in the city.

Some fundamental questions need to be asked. Why is it that some young people - white, black and Asian - resort to racist abuse and sometimes violence? What experiences have they had throughout their lives? What have they learned from family members, the education system and the media that leads to this behaviour?

Until the effects of poverty, deprivation and the hopeless feelings of marginalisation are properly understood by the majority of the population, nothing much will be done to change the life experiences and expectations of the growing number of young men who believe that they have nothing to lose by engaging in anti-social behaviour.

The sad examples often provided by international terrorists, national celebrities, or sportsmen do nothing to exemplify kindness, generosity and togetherness.

The media must also take its share of the blame for so frequently giving prominence to lawlessness rather than helping dispel myths and lessening people's fears and understandable anger.

David Fitch, Moorisde Road, Eccleshill.

Barbaric practice

SIR - The efforts of Ann Cryer and Terry Rooney to introduce a new law aimed at eliminating the medieval practice of forced marriages are to be commended.

This barbaric practice, often involving payment for young girls offered as brides, is surely the modern equivalent of slavery.

Does it not also call into the question the whole concept of arranged marriages? How many of these also involve coercion and elements of force, but in a subtler manner?

It is time that the practices of forced and arranged marriage were placed under greater scrutiny and new legislation introduced.

G Stevens, White Abbey Road, Bradford

Let them know!

SIR - I have been delighted to see the renewed debate over the future of the Odeon building, particularly as it may help to put pressure on the URC and the Council to look seriously at its future.

I wish Mr Norman Littlewood luck with his application to English Heritage for Listed status. I made a formal application last year for this, which involved a description of the building, a grid reference and photos of the Odeon.

However, I was told that the application had failed due to the internal changes that had been made to the building in the 1960s.

If the original interior had remained it may have qualified. If as Mr Littlewood says the interior could be restored to its pre-1960s condition there may well be scope for such a listing.

I appeal to Bradford people to make their views known to the Council and the URC.

Councillor David Ford (Green Party, Shipley West), Marlborough Road, Shipley

Odeon must stay

SIR - As a regular visitor to what we used to know as the "New Vic", before and after the war, I wish to add my support to the growing "Save the Odeon" campaign.

After welcome letters in the T&A it was refreshing to read the article on Norman Littlewood's views (T&A, January 21).

Being a local building contractor, with valuable knowledge of the Odeon structure, Norman takes the campaign a step further in attempting to have the building 'listed', which has our thankful, full support.

Like others, I have written to Bradford's regeneration officers pointing out the need for a new concert hall, as in this part of heavily-populated West Yorkshire there is no such venue. What a chance missed if we lose the Odeon.

Mick Crossley, Flower Haven, Haworth Road, Bradford.

The wrong target

SIR - Mr Wilson-Berry made an impassioned plea and threw down a gauntlet for "someone" to start a pensioners' parliament. In her innocence Audrey Raistrick, of The Forum Focused On Pensioner Power, picked it up and invited him to join them working towards one.

Unbelievably he now castigates Audrey Raistrick for starting one then goes on to advise her how to run a pensioners' movement, confusing "political" with "party political" and finally says it would be probably better for "someone" to put up as a pensioner for election to council (Letters, January 22).

Audrey Raistrick works very hard in the pensioner movement and has been instrumental in building it up from nothing.

She goes out lecturing, deals with correspondence, meets officials and, above all, is willing to help anyone.

She and her committee are working hard behind the scenes and making very good progress.

What experience does Mr Wilson-Berry have in the pensioner movement that entitles him to abuse those that do?

Dean Enoch, Woodsfield Close, Idle.

Strange objection

SIR - May I respond to the letter from Audrey Raistrick (Letters, Jan 13). As one of the elected representatives of the people of Shipley East I take very seriously my role in encouraging and representing the community I serve.

I go to great lengths to ensure my services reach every corner of the ward and therefore I often set up groups to help me achieve that. I do not understand why anyone would object to that principle and, even though Mrs Raistrick seems to, it will not deter me from doing my job effectively.

It is of little concern to me that anyone outside Shipley should question what I am doing and if, by using my influence to form a group to deliver my services, I am setting dangerous precedent, then so be it.

I would add that, in the Labour Party, we pride ourselves on our ability to communicate and engage with our constituents, a function we take very seriously and continually develop.

Councillor Phillip Thornton (Labour, Shipley East), Poplar Crescent, Shipley.

Forum is apolitical

SIR - Re the comments of Mr Williams-Berry (Letters, January 22). The Pensioner Forum is surely apolitical in that pensioners from all political sides, and none, are involved and all councillors should be giving their support.

A unified effort on behalf of pensioners from all areas of the metropolitan district should be the aim and not just one district.

All councillors should support a central meeting place provided by the Council. Forming separate groups can only be divisive and it is hoped that this is not the intention.

The personal attack on Audrey Raistrick, after all her efforts on behalf of pensioners, both locally and nationally, can only be deplored. Pensioners will be looking forward to continued support now and after the forthcoming elections.

Ron Hayhurst, Bradford Road, Sandbeds, Keighley

Life-saving armour

SIR - I think many of the personnel who fought in similar circumstances to the troops in Iraq during previous wars will have made their feelings known about body armour to their respective families and friends.

While sympathising with Samantha Roberts over her husband's death, it make you wonder how many troops fighting in previous wars could have been saved if such body protection had been available.

Kenneth E Higgins, Bempton Court, Great Horton.

Let there be lights

SIR - In early November I rang the street lighting department to report lights out in an entire street, plus the junction to the next.

The charming lady who answered asked for the post numbers, which I gave her. I was told the light would be repaired in seven to nine working days. We are now on January 22 and there are still no lights.

We have had windows smashed and cars broken into. Will the lights be back on just in time for summer?

T M Robinson, Edge End Road, Bradford.