SIR - I write regarding Yvonne Kerpen's concerns over the facilities for disabled parking in the Kirkgate Centre. I strongly empathise with Yvonne and as the wife of a disabled husband, fully appreciate the difficulties she is experiencing.

I would like to just give a little insight into some of the problems that are experienced when out for a simple shopping expedition.

Bradford is a very hilly city. The Kirkgate Centre offers a level, spacious and sheltered area in which one can transfer into and out of a wheelchair with the minimum of fuss. On a good day this procedure can take up to 30 minutes, on a bad day, another five to ten minutes can be added.

The trauma and effort taken to complete this task often means that the first step is to have a drink and something to eat before you even begin to shop.

I would challenge anybody to be able to achieve much in the time remaining.

When one has become disabled and had to give up work, there is seemingly very little left to do with your life. For my husband, myself and two young children, a shopping trip often allows us quality time to spend together.

Yvonne Hanson, Hillcrest Road, Thornton.

SIR - There has been a lot of talk about the disappointment caused by the cancellation of a lot of Bradford's Millennium celebrations.

However, I was one of the lucky ones who attended the Millennium Concert at St Mary's Church, East Parade on New Year's Eve afternoon.

It was one of the best concerts I have ever had the pleasure of attending (and I've attended a lot).

I would like to thank all the people concerned that afternoon, from the orchestra, Stage 84 and the Gospel Choir to the tea ladies in the church hall and the stewards outside.

When I set off for the concert that afternoon, the snow was starting to fall heavily and I did think "Should I be turning out in this weather?"

I was so glad I did!

Jill Crisp, Norman Crescent, Eccleshill.

SIR - Although it has been a few days since we entered 2001, I felt I must write in defence of Bradford's New Year's Eve Celebrations.

I am aware that due to bad weather part of the evening was cancelled, but the Music Sense Concert at St. Mary's Church in Eastgate was a splendid event in beautiful surroundings.

We were entertained by Bradford's own Stage 84, Garforth Children's Gospel Choir and The National Festival Orchestra.

Stage 84 were absolutely wonderful, singing songs from Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Miserables and The King and I. The G C G C were an upbeat treat, and the Orchestra was superb. I don't think there was a dry eye in the place after three encores were sung.

What a super start to 2001! Stage 84 in particular should be congratulated for their talent and professionalism. Bradford should be very proud of these young people.

E. Spencer, Long Preston Chase, Apperley Bridge.

SIR - It is with great sadness that I read in the T&A that disposable cameras are being offered to people with nothing better to do than snoop on dog owners in the hope of photographing their dogs fouling in public places. This is reminiscent of the Hitler youth movement!

Due to this daft law, the majority of sensible dog owners take plastic bags with them when walking their dogs, in order to clean up should the inevitable happen. However, this is not a satisfactory way of dealing with the faeces, and may cause health problems to responsible owners who have to carry it about with them. It would be a better to train the dog to perform in the gutter, or move the faeces there for natural disposal.

Looking around Bradford as a whole, there are many people who just throw their rubbish into the street, thus creating a greater problem with rat infestation. It would make more sense to tackle the problem of inconsiderate litter louts. After all, they are supposed to be the intelligent species.

T Williams-Berry, Bredon Avenue, Wrose.

SIR - There are many things which are causing concern to most of us today: the taking of more and more greenfield sites for housing and industry; roads becoming ever more congested; famine in many places; atmospheric pollution caused by emissions from vehicles and heating systems; pressure on wild-life habitats, and wherever crowds wish to gather for quite proper purposes, these become ever larger and more difficult to control.

Life becomes more unpleasant every day but the trend could undoubtedly be reversed by making every effort to reduce the population, not only of this country but of the world. The pressures would be reduced for the benefit of all.

Meaningful discussions should be initiated now to consider how this might be achieved.

Oliver Thomas, Halifax Road, Bradford 6.

SIR - Re Red Beck mill pond. We oppose a plan to build houses on the site of this pond, which attracts wildlife such as kingfisher, grey heron and goosander. This is quite remarkable as the site is so near to the centre of Bradford.

Our group will formally lodge an objection to the plan and urge Bradford Council to refuse the plan and work towards returning the pond to its former condition.

At present the water level has been allowed to drop to the detriment of wildlife. Surely in 2001 there is a great need to protect and encourage local wildlife.

Shaun Radcliffe (chairman of Bradford Ornithological Group), Longwood Avenue, Bingley.

SIR - I am pleased to announce that the syllabus for the Wharfedale Music Festival and Classical Dance Championship 2001 is out and available from libraries, Woods and Waterstones. Alternatively, they are available from the address below, or by phone on (01943) 872067.

Parents, teachers and competitors are reminded that entries close earlier this year, and should be received by the secretary by Saturday, February 17.

We offer a wide range of classes in all areas of speech and drama, poetry writing, classical dance, and instrumental, vocal and choral classes.

New classes over the last 12 months include steel bands, rock and pop, jazz, gospel groups, ocarina, bagpipes and handbell ringing, and on the drama side, readings from non-Christian sacred works (English translation).

Sadly, the latter failed to gain any support last year. Surely there is someone out there who would be interested in reading some of the beautiful passages of the Koran or perhaps from the works of Khalil Gibran, etc? For further information (or advice either way), please feel free to contact me.

Elizabeth M Holbrook, festival secretary, 48 Bradford Road, Menston LS29 6BX.

SIR - On January 6, my usually extremely sprightly octogenarian grandfather was suddenly taken ill while shopping at Boots in the city centre.

On his behalf I would like to thank the members of staff who came to his assistance, stayed with him, and very generously provided a taxi, gratis, for his journey home.

Furthermore, I would like to add that now, back on form, my grandfather will be personally thanking all those concerned.

D Walsh, Windermere Road, Great Horton.