SIR – I refer to a news item in the T&A (April 28) regarding the fire which has severely damaged the empty Fountain Inn in Heaton.

The Fountain was until 1984 a small corner pub, but Frank Lee completely rebuilt it, making it one of the most desirable places in Bradford, famed for its food.

It reopened on April 1, 1984, and one room was devoted to Bradford City, and Frank was an associate director of the club.

I formed the Heaton Branch of Bradford City Supporters Club, and many eventful meetings were held at the pub, including one in 1996 when Geoffrey Richmond told a packed room that City would soon be in the Premier League!

The Heaton branch became an active part of Bradford City, and the annual New Season Bar-B-Que was enjoyed by supporters and players.

The Fountain has seen many well-known sports people standing at the bar including Paul Gascoigne, Lee Clark, Eddie Gray, Leighton James, Paul Jewell, Stuart McCall, Peter Jackson and just about every City player and manager from 1984 to 2002.

Frank retired in 2000, and the Fountain began to decline, to the point where it has stood empty for the last few years.

Now a fire has played its part in the death of what was one of Bradford’s best pubs, and it’s so sad.

Mark Neale, Oxford Road, Queensbury