SIR – I feel compelled to write this letter after reading an article in a national newspaper by retail guru Kate Hardcastle about “Bradford’s dreary high street, littered with boarded-up shops” – her quote not mine.

This is the time of year when shopkeepers are hoping to make a killing, and quite rightly so. However, where is the justice and common sense in this retail example?

A friend of the family, along with her daughter visiting from Germany, went to Forster Square retail park. They spent more than £500, mainly on Christmas gifts.

They came back to their car oblivious of parking restrictions, as they normally shop at White Rose, to face an £80 parking ticket, where parking like Meadowhall, York Outlet and Castleford is unlimited no matter how much you spend!

In Ms Hardcastle’s report, the Cafe Bleu owner says: “There is no parking and no support to encourage business”.

Councillor David Green is quoted as saying: “Retailers know we are doing everything to support businesses”.

Oh yes, I forgot, they have just put a giant fountain in Centenary Square. That will bring shoppers in.

Bradford Council, wake up to the general public’s needs when shopping.

C Willis, Mount Avenue, Eccleshill