SIR - The impending loss of Marks & Spencer is a devastating blow to Bradford city centre, and as MP Philip Davies says, "a vote of no confidence" in the city (T&A, February 22).

If that branch of M&S had been a successful and profitable store then it would surely not have been closed and been involved in the company's "revolving store estate".

What a pathetic response we then have from the somewhat inept Executive Member for Planning, Transportation and Regeneration, Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, merely calling it "disappointing". A massive understatement if ever there was one.

He then tried to put a positive spin on the situation by stating that is "why it has been so vital for Bradford Council to invest in our transformational regeneration programme".

In what way Bradford will be transformed is highly debatable.

Bob Watson, Springfield Road, Baildon