SIR – My letters are not usually renowned for their praise of Bradford Council, but I feel there are three things in the leisure field on which they are to be congratulated.

As a grandfather, I love taking my young grandchildren to the various new and refurbished playgrounds with their variety of items ranging from giant tubular slides to areas prepared specially for cyclists, scooters, roller skaters and skateboarders.

Meanwhile, my older grandchildren often take advantage of the free access to the tennis courts and spend many hours improving their skills.

And finally, speaking as a walker, I must congratulate the Countryside Service for the way in which they are maintaining and improving local footpaths (with community help), including the provision of gates which, though not as picturesque as the styles they sometimes replace, are certainly more practical.

My family is now spread out in Cheshire, North Wales and Southampton, and all are envious of these facilities that the city provides for them when they visit home.

Gordon Dean, Long Lane, Harden