Letters to the Editor

I hardly think we need the Audit Commission to tell us what we are doing right or wrong. To put a few things right, perhaps we could start with all the shops sweeping out their frontage every morning before they display their goods.

Then we could start on the householders, who could quite easily take a brush and sweep their own paths in front of their houses.

Make all the takeaways move all the rubbish every morning they find outside the shop, because if they want the business they should be made to clear up after they have taken the money.

These are a few simple chores which we are all able to do to clean up this filthy city. Isn't it time we all rallied round and got it cleaned up?

Take some pride in your city, and where you live, and if you are not interested, move on to somewhere else.

B J Rudd, Roger Court, Undercliffe.

SIR - Many residents have been concerned with the untidy state of pavements, parks and recreation areas.

The litter problem will escalate if people disregard the request to improve our fine city.

For every household and business to ensure the area around its property is clear of rubbish will be a step forward in promoting enthusiasm to have a cleaner city with a hope to impress visitors that we are deserving the honour we are seeking.

Dennis Rhodes, Allerton Road, Allerton.

SIR - Your editorial Comment on litter (T&A, January 12) was spot on. The figures you quote show that clearing up litter costs £10 a year for every man, woman and child in the district, and the blame and the cost is the responsibility of each of us.

It is such a waste of time, effort and money when with a little care we could have a spotless city and money over to spend on recycling and parks and housing and libraries and the like.

Councillor Keith Thomson, Heights Lane, Bradford 9.

SIR - I read with the great interest recent letters about poor bin service. After being nearly forced into having these wheelie bins, we have had nothing but problems with the department concerned in regard to having them emptied.

l They have not emptied the bins on time.

l The binmen have even missed residents out, and they have had to phone and complain.

l Some binmen have actually dropped rubbish in the street while collecting it, but they have not gone back to pick it up.

l Some of our members have complained that they never know when they are coming to empty them, that is despite being told by cleansing that it will be on a Tuesday.

Long before Christmas ever came, we once put our bins out on a Tuesday, but they were not emptied for just over a week.

I wholeheartedly agree with Mr Parsons of Eccleshill. We are paying enough for things, but we are truly not getting value for our money.

J A Wills, secretary, Idle Village Tenants and Residents Association, c/o Idle Baptist Church, Bradford Road, Idle.

SIR - Re the poor bin service (Letters, January 10). We, the residents of Haigh Corner, were also left for two weeks after the Christmas period, with bags of rubbish, boxes, cartons, etc. etc. strewn all around the "wheelie bins" which had been taken to the collection points ready for the bin men.

However, because another council department (Highways) thinks Old Park Road begins and ends at the bottom of Orchard Grove, we weren't gritted yet again, making the road to Haigh Corner virtually impassable for everyone, including the residents.

Bearing in mind that Haigh Corner isn't just a cul-de-sac but is also the main entrance and car park to Parkland School, isn't it time that as we also have to pay council tax, we received a gritting service so that - apart from anything else - the binmen can do their job?

Please, highways department, put Haigh Corner on your "gritting map".

M Moreland, Haigh Corner, Thorpe Edge.

SIR - To those who took ladders from the rear of the butcher's shop in Main Street, Wilsden, I hope you know that when you dislodged the metal bin and plant holders, you were clearly recognised.

The ladders are marked on many parts. You may be asked to explain those marks when using them.

To prevent unpleasantness, please return those ladders in the same way as you took them, in the middle of the night.

Honour among thieves is recognised and will be accepted in good faith.

J Clapham, Spring Hill, Wilsden.

SIR - As the Economic Reference Group lead member with responsibility for Bradford Markets, it was a pleasure when I was asked to judge the John Street Christmas Display competition.

I would like to congratulate all the stall holders for their participation, the Market Traders Association for organising it and the Council's Market Section for their hard work in providing the market's decorations.

Everyone involved with John Street Market, James Street Fish Market and the temporary Rawson Market must be delighted and very relieved that at last the planning application has been submitted and the refurbishment of John Street Market is on course to begin in March.

I'm sure that all the residents of Bradford will welcome this and the news that Kirkgate Market is to be improved also.

Councillor Andrew Smith (Con, Queensbury), Chapel Street, Queensbury.

SIR - How very grateful we are to your readers for responding to my letter with regard to Mr E's donation of his winter fuel allowance towards the caring work of The Salvation Army this winter.

We have received many donations from people as a direct result of the letter and would want to say thankyou to everyone who kindly gave in this way. The generosity of people is overwhelming and it is thanks to them that we are able to bring warmth and friendship into the lives of people who are lonely, miserable and facing hardship this winter.

On behalf of all those who will ultimately benefit from these gifts, may I thank you again and wish you, your colleagues and your loved ones prosperity and happiness in the New Year ahead.

God bless you for your kindness.

Martin Wileman, Divisional Director for Public Relations, The Salvation Army, Hanley Road, Morley.