The demise of many of Bradford’s pubs over the last ten years is leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of those left blighted by the derelict buildings.

It is terribly sad that, for a variety of reasons, dozens of the city’s hostelries have called last orders for the final time.

But for those living in the shadow of these once-popular hostelries, many of which are derelict shells, it is a problem that remains long after the final pint is pulled.

The article highlighting the area’s heritage pubs in today’s T&A shows how it is possible for our locals to thrive.

But sadly, there are many factors that increasingly conspire against landlords trying to keep a pub business thriving. And that is why the district is blighted by so many of these empty husks.

Concerns are growing about the safety of some of them, and they are rife for vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Regeneration group Bradford Trident has looked at ways of bringing some of these buildings back into use.

Unfortunately, the law means it would have to pay the full market value if it moved to make a compulsory purchase order on the sites.

And that would not make economic sense, particularly in the current climate.

If the owners of the pubs cannot be persuaded to act responsibly and allow the buildings to be sold for a reasonable price, given the state many of them are in, then perhaps a change in the law is needed.

Something needs to be done to stop our once-thriving pubs being allowed to rot and decay, leaving their sour taste to taint the city.