Let's talk about our differences

Sir - Protesting voters have given the far-right racists of the BNP their first council seats.

That's almost as bad for Bradford's image as another riot would be. Our politicians will not accept blame for this wretched disgrace, yet they are the problem, not the solution.

The major parties have conspicuously not encouraged honest public debates among ordinary citizens. But what else can resolve sources of distrust between Bradford's white and other ethnic groups?

Without such dialogues, frustrated voters look to false prophets promising instant hard-line answers to local conflicts.

Local government officers have made unsung efforts to start 'community cohesion' initiatives at grass-roots level.

These could transform the district into a tolerant but responsible, mutually considerate, truly multicultural community - despite politicians' lukewarm support, and refusal to lead open discussions about cultural differences.

The BNP thrives upon official silence over problems dividing neighbourhoods.

Yet local people can change things for themselves as the Toller Citizens' Unity Project (T-CUP) hopes to, through bringing ordinary people together to debate sensitive issues frankly but respectfully, to seek shared solutions to shared problems.

Other community groups can also undermine racist parties if they do the same kind of thing.

Ian Vine, Duckworth Grove, Bradford.

Only a protest?

Sir - I would like to express my disappointment at Bradfordians voting BNP in the recent elections.

If there was a need for a protest vote why should it have been this particular party? If they really think that voting for this party is going to make much difference to their community then they have sadly been fooled by the political spin that is much greater than Labour's.

The BNP in towns such as Halifax and Burnley has not made significant improvements to their wards so why would it be any different here?

I am rather hoping that this is merely a protest vote and not a change in attitude or an emergence of Bradfordians' true colours.

Dhermesh Kalyan, Naseby Rise, Queensbury.

Hardly democracy

SIR - Does Mrs Eaton and other leaders of the political parties in Bradford believe in democracy?

Mrs Eaton especially for her rantings about not working with the BNP councillors who were democratically elected by citizens of the wards they stood for.

These four BNP councillors represent at least 50,000 citizens of Bradford, but according to Mrs Eaton, they will not get any say in the running of the Bradford area.

I stood as an Independent Council Taxpayer candidate. I lost to Labour - the voters put in who they wanted. That's democracy.

Michael Breen, Bolton Hall Road, Wrose.

A good job done...

SIR - I would like to thank all those who supported me in the local elections on June 10 and past elections since 1999.

It has been a pleasure to represent the residents of Queensbury ward since 1999, and I think it is fair to say most residents, whether they voted for me or not, feel I have done a good job during my five years as a councillor.

However, I can assure all residents that I won't just disappear, but will continue to be active within Queensbury ward as there is still much to do. After all I live in Queensbury ward too, so have a vested interest in wanting to see Queensbury improve further.

Andrew Smith, Chapel Street, Queensbury.

Delay disgrace

Sir - What a disgrace that the tenants in Derby Place sheltered housing have had to go without a lockable front door for more than six months (T&A June 12).

What makes it worse is that an intruder proved that the situation is dangerous when he simply walked in as far back as March, and all Bradford Community Housing Trust does is to keep telling the tenants "next month".

If Chris Hodgson's front-door lock was broken, leaving his home open to anybody who wished to come in and vandalise it, would he be willing to let a locksmith get around to it more than six months down the track? In your dreams!

Sandy Parkinson, Grigg Place, Hilton, Western Australia.

Avenue facts

Sir - In response to Tony Kenny's comments regarding Bradford Park Avenue, he ought to get his facts right. When Avenue first re-formed, they played in Manningham before moving to grounds on the fringe of Leeds as there was nowhere to play in Bradford.

Next, they are hardly a 'local league' club, playing clubs like Worcester and Kettering, and without passing round the begging bowl, are now but two divisions behind the other Bradford team, and owe not a penny to anyone.

David Reynolds-Hanson, Soaper Lane, Shelf