SIR - How typical of politicians! They don't like the findings of a report, so they rubbish it.

If we look at all the "false dawn" initiatives in the last two years that have been replaced or superceded by others, with no accountability for the money wasted, I think all Bradford's part-time politicians and their fully (over) paid professional officers have a nerve to rubbish anyone else.

These are the people who gave us a £60k a year strategist to give operational drive, and still haven't found a £70k replacement for him since he quit after six months; the people who have taken two years to sort out roles within City Hall while everyone (it seems) has been off with stress, and departments have struggled to function.

Like all such reports, the Thwarted Dreams Survey will contain some valid observations and conclusions and some less so, just like all the consultancy reports on the city, its problems and its future in the last two years.

There is disillusionment. Perhaps the city leaders would like to think why.

How's about poor, unco-ordinated, politically-motivated, jobsworth leadership?

William Oxley, Five Rise Locks Hotel, Bingley.

SIR - Re recent letters in your paper from people about the sporting events that should take place at new Odsal Stadium.

Where were all these people when chairman Chris Caisley was fighting to get a new stadium? He has been trying for years. Nobody got behind him then, now these people are jumping on the bandwagon as to what sports should be there.

It isn't just Mr Caisley that is running the show, as far as I know. The Council, the developers and Tesco have all to have their say on this matter. Why pick on one man?

I am a staunch Bulls supporter and Mr Caisley has done a good job for us. I agree that there have to be other sports, but please let's have a bit of fair play and don't all jump on the bandwagon.

All this arguing will not help the Minister of State to pass the final hurdle.

Let's not forget the Bulls have helped put Bradford on the map and deserve the best stadium.

Mrs D Burns, Truncliffe, Bankfoot, Bradford.

SIR - Oh dear, I have upset Mr John Masters by describing the English as a mongrel nation (Letters, January 22).

I'm no pet-lover, but isn't it true that mongrels are the toughest dogs around, while the pure breeds have to be cosseted and feather-bedded for fear they succumb to the smallest germ?

To be aware that what makes up what we call "England" is a glorious patchwork of different cultures and attitudes is not to belittle it, it is to celebrate our unity in diversity.

I tend to agree with Dr Johnson's remark that patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel.

As a Christian, I try to appreciate the revelations of different faiths from mine, and as an Englishman of Celtic stock (descended from invaders who were not originally native to these islands), I enjoy the richness I have discovered in Bradford since I took refuge here two decades ago.

But as a folk singer, I'd be prepared to wager I know more English traditional songs than Mr Masters. If he cares to come to the Melborn tonight I'd be pleased to stage an open contest with him on that score.

Karl Dallas, Church Green, Bradford.

SIR - I write regarding Mike Stocks's letter in response to a letter from a Mr Walsh (T&A, January 18).

I personally was offended by Mr Walsh's letter but I would defend his right to an opinion.

I would judge from the tone of Mr Stocks's letter that anyone who disagrees with him is "talking utter rubbish".

Such phrases and poor attitude does the Shadow Board (the tenant reps at stock transfer) no favours when used by a board member.

I would point out many of us do good work in the community and sit on voluntary groups.

But when writing public letters, one should not use the title of the group served.

With respect, the subject was stock transfer and not the particular group of Mike Stocks.

He seems to use his title at the foot of all his letters, regardless of subject. I would advise in future that he uses just his name and address. If we all put titles as well as addresses, your column would be short of space.

By the way, my titles would be chair of Knowleswood Villagers, member of Shadow Board Stock Transfer, member Holme Wood Executive, and more.

H Clough, Knowles Lane, Bradford 4.

SIR - Mike Stocks (T&A, January 18) asks and answers his own questions in the main. May I answer his final paragraph.

Bradford Council Housing are deep in "the red". On stock transfer this debt will be wiped off by the Government (Labour Government).

Readers of the T&A letters page are well aware I am all for stock transfer but we must make sure we only take on board people we can trust (present Council staff included) and not be lulled into a false sense of security.

We cannot afford to be led back into the red.

Stephen Walsh, Church Street, Bingley.

SIR - I paid a visit to the recently refurbished Shipley Baths and was impressed with the refitted changing rooms, reception, entrance, and caf.

I was shocked by the contrast when I went in the swimming pools area, which hadn't been touched.

It had the same clear, filthy glass surrounding the pools.

This should have been changed to coloured or reflective glass to stop the peep-show of people being able to stare in.

Maybe that's why the windows are never cleaned, to stop people looking in. Have a whip-round, Bradford Council, and if you can't afford proper glass, get a window cleaner!

Mrs K Cliff, Southdown Road, Baildon.

SIR - In reply to Mr Boocock's letter of January 21. He thinks the al Qaida terrorists are just trying to make the world a better place?

Presumably they do this by slitting the throat of an innocent air stewardess, murdering the pilot and crashing the planes into buildings full of people, killing thousands.

Poisoning people with anthrax spores will also make the world a better place, or, god forbid, detonating a nuclear weapon when they finally have one, this will also make the world a better place.

Despite this he claims they are not "bad people".

Tell me, is this going to be just a short visit to our planet by Mr Boocock, or is he planning to stay a while?

S M Schofield, Hainsworth Moor Drive, Queensbury.