SIR – Like many others, I am sick of our city being a laughing stock in other parts of the country.

For the first time, we have a proposal in the cross rail route that provides some thinking that is out of the box, and would be the one thing to regain respect, and do more for regeneration than anything else.

Our Council will be considering this proposal, and I hope they take a long-term view of the benefits. While it is accepted that in the short term it cannot be afforded, the rise in rail travel, the increasing population and the cost of petrol will help to justify Bradford Cross Rail, not to mention the benefits it would bring to the region.

In the meantime, it is vital that the proposed route is properly protected, bearing in mind that we have probably the last opportunity for 100 years to proceed at the appropriate time.

While this may not be for some years, bearing in mind the dreadful state of the economy, let’s hope that the Council, and Metro for that matter, can show the sort of vision for our city that has been sadly lacking for many years. Future generations will never forgive them if they do not.

Bob Watson, Springfield Road, Baildon, Shipley