Letters to the editor

SIR - Your report on January 18 about the Bradford motorist who lost his life as a result of another road user failing to obey the rules of the road made poignant reading.

His widow quite rightly described the sentence of nine months in jail as "lenient" but admitted that whatever sentence had been imposed, it would not have returned her husband to her.

I have been concerned for some time about the big increase in the number of road users who put pedestrians and others in grave danger by becoming amber gamblers or completely ignoring the traffic lights, whatever colour they are showing.

The new Airedale Road/Barkerend Road junction and the Harris Street/Leeds Road junction are two prime examples of this phenomenon where you literally take your life in your hands trying to cross the roads.

Even if the police personnel are over-stretched, an occasional visit from the Traffic department, who have recently cracked down on drink and drive motorists, would, I feel sure, not go amiss.

Donald Firth, Harrogate Street, Undercliffe.

Quite right, Mike

SIR - I must challenge Dr Giller's criticism of Mike Priestley's comment about asylum seekers (Letters, January 15).

Unlike the doctor, the mainstream don't regard all asylum seekers as paragons of virtue, or welcome an open-door immigration policy for all those who fancy living here.

Mike's got an uncanny knack of reflecting the popular view of the Bradford citizen, and his Saturday column is a welcome refuge (no pun intended) for the forgotten Silent Majority.

Many a time a work colleague or associate of mine has mentioned his views with a glint in the eye that suggests that Mike is being a little daring but oh so very right!

Doctor Giller's timing is a little unfortunate given the increasing terrorism threat to British safety from bogus asylum seekers. It's all right Mr Blair suggesting vigilance in the face of terrorism, but when he is doing nothing to stem the march of the phoney refugees who might be bent on terrorism, his words have a hollow ring about them. Police the borders properly and we might have a chance.

John Masters, Kirk Lane, Yeadon.

Enough is enough

SIR - Unlike Dr Giller, I would instead say "Keep up the good work Mike". I feel that Mike speaks/writes much common sense about the many problems that this country of ours is facing at the present time, problems that just do not seem to be being dealt with correctly by our current Government.

One such problem is of course asylum seekers and this is something that seems to be getting out of control. Why can't this Government simply say "Stop" until such time as control is restored?

I do believe that ordinary people are concerned that their views are not being listened to by the few in power who control things and who seem to think that they know what is best for us.

The British people are very tolerant but there comes a time when enough is enough.

Brian Pickford, Summerbridge Crescent, Eccleshill.

Fantastic support

SIR - On behalf of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association I would like to thank your readers for their fantastic support of our 'Regulate Fireworks Now' petition, which calls for an end to the disruption and distress caused to dogs and their owners by fireworks.

On Friday, February 28, a Private Members Bill to restrict the noise levels, sale and use of fireworks, tabled by Bill Tynan MP, receives its second reading in the House of Commons. I would urge everyone who feels strongly about this issue to write to their local MP and encourage them to attend the House on the day and vote. Without their support the Bill may never become law.

If anyone would like further information about the Private Members Bill or how to contact their MP please phone 0118 983 8242 or 0118 983 8380 or e-mail alison.wade@gdba.org.uk

Geraldine Peacock, Chief Executive, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, Burghfield Common, Reading.

Bears say thanks

SIR - On behalf of the bears I would like to thank those of you who have given your signatures to my petition(s) to stop the cruel bear-bile farming in China for so-called Chinese medicine, perfumes and even some foods.

Your response has been brilliant and I have had hundreds of signatures, which are now on their way to the Chinese Embassy in London, and to China itself.

Wendy Tapsell, Redcar Road, Greengates.