Reader Letter

Bob Watson criticizes the approval of 100 homes off Harden Lane in Wilsden, arguing that the Government’s new grey belt rules give developers too much scope to build on protected green belt land instead of using brownfield sites. He also blames Bradford Council for not having an up-to-date Local Plan, which he says makes controversial developments easier to approve.

Tim Morris supports the Prime Minister’s plan to introduce more technical education but argues that the curriculum must also teach practical business skills such as sales, marketing, budgeting and customer service. Drawing on his experience founding Spotless Water after starting a vehicle-detailing business at 17, he says vocational training and entrepreneurship education would help young people cope with AI-driven changes in the job market and build successful businesses.

Paul Charman describes delays affecting two eBay purchases and a first-class birthday card, which arrived nine and seven working days late respectively. He argues that prolonged delivery times, combined with rising postage prices, are causing people to become increasingly frustrated with Royal Mail.

Roy Sanderson recalls spending time trainspotting at Steeton & Silsden station in the early 1950s, when steam expresses, heavy goods trains and a local milk train passed through. He remembers the small station staff, including a station-master who once protected him from bullies, and reflects on his great-grandfather Charlie Maud's work transporting goods from the station to Silsden businesses. The historic photograph prompted affectionate memories of the station and its railway community.

Sheila Patchett agrees with Helen Mead’s concerns about English-language usage, criticizing newspapers and television for poor spelling, informal terms such as “cops” and “hey,” and gender-neutral language including “guys,” “actors” and “chairman.” She argues for retaining conventional terms such as “actress” and “chairman.”

Don Oliver questions a reported eight per cent rise in water bills, citing his own quarterly bill increasing from £39.43 to £48.35 despite using only 1m³ of water. He argues that most of the charge consists of sewerage, surface-water and standing fees, criticizes water companies over river pollution, and calls for the industry to be brought into public ownership.

Reader Don Oliver argues that cycling laws should be tightened and enforced more rigorously. He criticizes cyclists who run red lights, ride against traffic or on pavements, travel at speed without warning pedestrians, and respond abusively when challenged. He calls for compulsory registration, insurance and helmets for cyclists, clearer rules for e-scooters, regulation of mobility scooters, and stronger police action against offenders.

The former Wapping Road School is described as a historically significant but increasingly derelict building, with early school meals and the country’s first elementary school swimming baths among its notable features. The author urges the local council to convene a meeting with the owners and heritage groups to explore options for restoring and repurposing the structure, suggesting its potential conversion into residential apartments incorporating the original swimming pool.

Additional context is provided on the upcoming referendum concerning the Bingley Neighbourhood Plan, which has been developed over several years by Bingley Town Council. The plan aims to guide local planning decisions and increase the town council’s share of Community Infrastructure Levy funds. Residents will vote on whether Bradford Council should adopt the plan for use in determining planning applications, with polling scheduled for July 16.

Reflects on the closure and planned demolition of Bradford’s Kirkgate Shopping Centre, recalling its vibrant past and comparing the situation to other outdated structures such as Ipswich’s Greyfriars and the Richard Dunn Sports Centre. Expresses mixed feelings, lamenting the loss of old community spaces while hoping the proposed redevelopment will revitalise the area.