Letters to the Editor

People think of children as part of the problem of crime because children are part of the problem, subject as they are to the appalling lowering of standards by the media in general, particularly television, cinema and now the Internet.

Children are brought up thinking that crime is normal, violence is normal and disgusting behaviour is acceptable.

Setting up a consultation with children, far from being an excellent initiative as you suggest, is about as helpful as asking a primitive tribesman to explain evolution.

Children are completely unaware of the subliminal influences to which they are subjected and are academically unable to rationalise their behaviour.

The only way to tackle the long-term problem of crime in society is not to start with the children but with the people who influence their behaviour.

If this means re-imposing a measure of censorship on programmes of crime, brutality, sex and violence, then so be it.

A A Sigley, Bronshill Grove, Allerton.

SIR - I read that our elected representatives are proposing to restrict the access of motorists to our city.

Earlier this week I read another report that the city is bidding to be a "Cultural Capital" ( a move which I heartily support, believing that our city has a wealth of culture to offer visitors).

However, a quick look around our city centre is enough to show that it is dying. Empty shops are everywhere, and many of the others are charity shops. All the "quality" shops have long-since closed, there is no longer a proper food market.

Many of our citizens, including myself, already try to avoid using Bradford, as our local authority takes every chance to tell us both in words and actions that we are not welcome! How would the Council possibly be able to accept an influx of tourists?

If the Council seriously intends to exclude motorists may I suggest that the most positive way forward is to upgrade the ring-road to motorway status, close off all the roads into the city centre and hang a notice over the Bradford sign saying "CITY CLOSED".

The thought of applying for any international status, other than "laughing stock of Europe" should be consigned to the dustbin.

Stuart Holgate, Russell Avenue, Queensbury.

SIR - In your report in the T&A of October 16 and the Target on the Shipley and Baildon Police Forum meeting, there seems to be some confusion about the 600-signature petition handed to the Chief Constable Graham Moore.

The petition was in support of the perception that the Chief Constable is not allowing his police force to administer the law equally to all citizens regardless of colour, creed or class.

The petition in support of Mr Pentith's appeal was sent to his solicitor at the beginning of August with 1,051 signatures. A further 300 signatures sent to the police headquarters at Wakefield were said not to have been received.

May I also point out that the so-called racist insult was an alleged racist remark. Otherwise I think it was a fair report.

Joan Bentley, Parkwood Road, Shipley.

SIR - On Tuesday, September 12, during the fuel crisis, the Principal of Bradford College cancelled all evening classes because of a rumoured taxi blockade. The blockade rumour was unsubstantiated.

On Tuesday, October 31, classes were cancelled because of a forecast of flooding in the Aire Valley.

I do not know how many students would be affected by flooding in the Aire Valley. All the people in the class I attend are local, and so is the teacher.

Must I telephone every Tuesday before leaving the house? What will be the "reason" for the next closure?

F McNeil, Carr Bottom Avenue, Bradford 5.

SIR - As an NSPCC campaigner, I am writing about the need for a Children's Commissioner in the UK.

There has been a lot in the media about paedophiles. It's high time we had a watchdog to prevent children being abused. Wales has one and we do not.

Paedophiles should be told where to live and have to report to the police every day. They should not be unsupervised.

Gloria De Clair, Park Road, Eccleshill, Bradford.