SIR - I was the widow who "cheated death" (T&A, July 3) when my bungalow collapsed following a gas explosion, and I would just like to thank all my family, friends and neighbours in Low Moor for their help in my time of need.

I would especially like to thank Jon Turner for the way he fearlessly came to my assistance at the time, and Irene Richardson for kindly taking in my budgie. I realise how lucky I am to have such kind and helpful neighbours.

I am looking forward hopefully to returning to my home - although I have been told it will take about one year to rebuild the property.

Once again, I would like to thank everybody for their kindness, especially all your readers who showed so much concern.

Doris Pearson, Acaster Drive, Low Moor.

SIR - It is disgraceful to close public toilets in the Bradford district. They are vital!

Bradford Council should be ashamed of themselves! They are not only discriminating against the people of this wonderful city; they are discriminating against their workforce who have to rely on these toilets because they walk the streets every day to keep Bradford clean.

Do not close these vital toilets down.

Caroline Anderson, Arnford Close, Undercliffe.

SIR - Further to the letter from Jenny Sampson (August 20) regarding the disruptive explosions from Asian wedding fireworks that disturb her and her animals. It seems like a concern very well placed. However, to use this to illustrate the level of difference between Asian and indigenous culture is prejudice at best and preposterous at worst.

Perhaps Jenny realised how misplaced her comments appeared ("Once again it clearly shows the divide between the two cultures") when she noticed the letter printed above her letter which echoed the same sentiments written by an Asian man.

This is not to deny that fireworks are peace-shattering and I support their limitation to Bonfire night. But to label the whole Asian community for the acts of a minority is nearly as senseless as labelling every football fan as a hooligan.

Shahid Islam, Parkway, West Bowling.

SIR - As fond as I am of Bradford and a firm believer in supporting local shops rather than out-of-town ones, there is part of me that is saddened by the continual decline of the city centre.

Chadwick's gift shop on Kirkgate is closing. Chadwick's have been in Bradford for as long as I can remember. They were part of the old Mechanics Institute building and it is a very sad loss.

This will leave six empty shops along that small stretch of Kirkgate. I am surprised the street isn't more popular as it is a main thoroughfare between the Kirkgate shopping centre and Sunwin House.

In three or four years, Bradford will have been boosted with new shopping centres but what about the time between now and then? What can be done to get people back shopping in the city centre?

A high-profile "shop locally" campaign perhaps? Something needs to be done.

Jack MacPherson, Killinghall Road, Bradford 3.

SIR - Bradford Cat Rescue has been running for 32 years and provides a vital and well-respected service to the local and wider community. Indeed they quite often receive calls from Bradford Council to collect abandoned and injured cats from their properties and receive no financial support for this service. So why are the Council intent on closing them down?

The location is suitable, though the councillors involved declined a site visit. At great expense steel cages have been erected to house injured cats. Part of the house has been converted to a well-equipped cat run. In no way does Brenda Satterley keep cats in bird cages, as has been claimed.

The Council fears a repeat of the Jenny Sampson fiasco. But in this case there are no cats outside, and neighbours are fully supportive - many giving regular donations. All neighbours were consulted and there were no objections.

Come on, Bradford Council, see sense for once and support this much-needed service. More details can be obtained on the website: www.bradfordcatrescue.co.uk

Steve White, Drovers Way, Bradford 2

SIR - Ted Evans, owner of that Haworth car park, states that "nobody was clamped unless they had overstayed by at least 20 minutes".

As past victims we were eight minutes late so could we have our £35 back please!

I have also noticed that the clamping fee is now £40. Is business slow?

If Mr Evans wants to offer goodwill gestures then he should abolish clamping, tarmac the car park, become people-friendly and work alongside tourists and traders instead of being against everything that Haworth stands for.

Mrs Laura Darnbrough, Oakbank Lane, Oakworth.

SIR - David Hobbins criticised Sir Ken Morrison for proposing to build offices on Gain Lane (Letters, August 23). But it seems obvious that he is more interested in belittling Sir Ken than he is in the greenfield site.

When did Morrisons last have a strike? How many jobs has Sir Ken created nationally?

What have Bradford Council done with the brownfield site once known as Rawson Market?

Take a look at it Mr Hobbins. This is where Ken's parents first started business - working till 11pm and still serving customers.

When will it be resurrected?

S Walsh, Church Street, Bingley.

SIR - I enjoyed the car boot sale at Odsal fire station on August 17 - until I was robbed.

I saw a small colour TV for sale at the price I could afford. I paid the young couple who had a big white van next to a man selling carpets. He and a friend of mine saw me pay them and heard them say they would drop it off on the way home, just across the road.

I'd like to publicly shame them into bringing me the TV or giving me my money back. They wrote my address down. I hope they don't rob another pensioner.

Mrs C Petrof, Hird Avenue, Bradford 6

SIR - May I, through your columns, please convey my thanks to the people who returned my wallet on Saturday, after I lost it at Tescos on Halifax Road.

I reported the loss to the staff at Tescos, who took my details, but as I returned home a man and woman had arrived there to return it to me, still with the £20 I had just drawn out inside.

Had it not been for my driver's licence photocard, which is inside, and two honest people finding it, I may never have seen the wallet again. I didn't think to take their names or offer them a reward, which is why I have written this.

It is good to know that there are still some honest folk around.

Mike Welsh, Westercroft Road, Great Horton

SIR - I read the sad story about Debbie Moore (front page, August 20). It beggars belief that this poor woman and her daughters could be evicted from their home in Ravenscliffe.

I always thought charity began at home but not in Mrs Moore's case. She has worked and paid her taxes to this country yet it appears that the people who haven't contributed (ie UK residents who abuse the system or immigrants who appear to receive preferential treatment) get away with it.

It's obvious to me that charity does not begin at home anymore, and it does not matter who we elect to run this country, they will make a mess of it anyway.

I would like to wish Mrs Moore and her daughters all the best.

Mrs J Calvert, Highgate Road, Clayton Heights.