Letters to the Editor

As a lifelong advocate of the benefit of arts and culture generally to the quality of life, I applaud Bradford for its initiative in applying.

I do, however, regret that one of your correspondents, apparently ignorant of the facts, asked "Where were Opera North and the Northern Ballet Theatre when Bradford needed them?"

Bradford launched its campaign at an event at the Saddlers Wells Theatre in London when Northern Ballet Theatre was premiering its new ballet "Madam Butterfly". NBT was delighted that Bradford chose NBT as the springboard for its bid.

NBT has always been ready, willing and able to offer such support to Bradford as it requires. For instance its last premiere, "Wuthering Heights", was held in Bradford's Alhambra and not Leeds's Grand Theatre - a significant gesture in support of Bradford's bid.

Those of us who are interested in the Arts and economic regeneration see no significance at all in civic boundaries. The cultural assets of Bradford are open to the citizens of Leeds just as the cultural assets of Leeds are open to those who live in Bradford.

Councillor B P Atha (chairman, Northern Ballet Theatre), The Town Hall, Leeds.

SIR - Six new destinations have been announced from Leeds-Bradford International Airport by new airline JET2, the destinations that would give locals the chance to get further around the world without first travelling across the Pennines.

The world at our doorstep... and what happens? No Rome, Prague, Stockholm, Venice etc. No imagination.

We get three Spanish destinations (Malaga, Barcelona, and Palma), two of which are more than adequately served by charter airlines during the holiday season.

There's Nice and Milan. And, amazingly, Amsterdam. Are the three daily KLM jetflights already provided not enough? Do the head honchos at Leeds think KLM will continue to provide the jobs and industry that comes with that route when they see this is how they are treated? Unlikely, and with it goes our one connection route anywhere around the world via Amsterdam. Genius.

Although it's a nice thought, letting "the people" choose, it seems the bewildering lack of imagination by those involved could be the downfall of JET 2 before it even starts, and leave LBIA stuck in the starting blocks of international travel for a while longer.

Nick Carter, Culmington Road, Ealing, London.

SIR - Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and the Tenancy Enforcement should use the new powers proposed in the Queen's Speech to end the suffering of residents of Ravenscliffe Estate. We have had enough of the anti-social behaviour, vandalism, intimidation and harassment that we suffer on a daily basis from the young thugs of Ravenscliffe.

If the Council wants to encourage new life on to Ravenscliffe and lift the reputation then it should start to use any new powers to encourage new tenants like myself to stay.

Jean Grogan, Norbury Road, Ravenscliffe

SIR - Re the report "Community cash 'not used wisely'" (T&A, November 7). From its beginning the Newlands Partnership Board has had the same chairman and the same vice-chairman, the latter also being for a time the chairman of Thorpe Edge Forum.

This led to Thorpe Edge having an unfair advantage over the other areas. Graham Mahoney was hired to help Thorpe Edge towards a SRB grant worth £17.6 million.

Through the years Thorpe Edge Project has prospered not because they are better than other areas but because they received more help. A peppercorn rent for a flat gave them a solid base. Through the years this has led to complacency.

Seventy five per cent of the Newlands Community Association consists of people from Thorpe Edge. It was brought up at a Partnership Board meeting that the NCA was undemocratic. It still is and these undemocratic people will be running Newlands.

Joan Foulds, New Line, Greengates.

SIR - In reply to all the current hysteria surrounding Christians in Pakistan, can I remind people that in all countries and regions that were conquered by Muslims, Jews and Christians are still living and their churches, temples and properties have never been touched by the majority.

Yes, there are Muslims who committed unacceptable acts. But how can 1.5 billion Muslims be judged by the actions of a few people?

Michael Brooks, Whitby Road, Bradford 8

SIR - Re recent correspondence about counsellors. Counselling is a caring profession providing an essential service to the public. Counsellors are usually tasked to care for vulnerable members of society. They aim to provide assistance using their listening skills to understand and tender advice to resolve problems.

In my working capacity I have experienced instances of distress in the Court environment concerning vulnerable witnesses required to relate distressing experiences in evidence. A counsellor was involved in a recent trial whose services were invaluable in providing reassurance and comfort to people literally drowning in a sea of despair.

As a result I appreciated the special skills required by counsellors in their profession.

They really do make a difference in my experience and people's lives are affected as a result, but always for the better.

Nick Bilny, Daleside Road, Riddlesden.

SIR - As a marketing person, I'd be interested to know the rationale behind the corporate image of Tom Cobleigh and the insistence of illuminating The Generous Pioneer with coloured lights which are completely out of character with the local "corporate image" of Burley-in-Wharfedale.

It would also be interesting to know how many other disputes they have had with local authorities and residents over similar issues. It seems to me to be a case of complete unwillingness to accept that they have got it wrong.

I wonder, did their research conclude that by adding garish flood and strip lights they would increase footfall? Well they have succeeded - the footfall of locals walking away has increased! With their complete disregard of the local culture they have surely shot themselves in their corporate feet.

Malcolm Wallace, Hasley Road, Burley in Wharfedale.

SIR - I enjoyed Ian Midgley's interview with actor Tom Courtenay in the T&A (Friday, November 1). It is worth mentioning that the accompanying photograph was taken at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television by Bradford photographer Richard Newman, whose work is greatly admired by fellow Yorkshireman Sir Tom.

Matthew Douglas, King's Road, Bradford 2.

SIR - I seem to remember some years ago that the Council had applied to the courts for a "permanent eviction order" to avoid having to apply every other day for those trespassing travellers to be moved on.

Perhaps it would be more expedient to put the car parks under the rule of the Haworth car park people. They wouldn't stand for any nonsense!

Herbert Wilson, Oakdale Avenue, Wibsey.

SIR - For many years I have acquired dogs and cats from the rescue people.

Recently I went to Jenny Sampson at Allerton. After she took us for a walk round, we accepted a young cat from her.

Her cattery and home are beautifully clean and fresh. Why can't more people try to help her?

For instance Bradford Council could offer some sort of property in the area to Jenny and her friend who now lives close to her, and assist them to keep up the good work.

W Flowers, Melbourne Street, Shipley.