SIR - Much has been said and written in your newspaper recently about what has been called "The devastating Bradford riots". Concern has been expressed at the potentially damaging effect this would have upon the image of Bradford and whether or not investment and confidence in the city would suffer.

I think your readers should know that the firm of solicitors with which I am associated demonstrated its confidence in Bradford by the investment of a new office in this city in late 1999. This investment continues, with a substantial expansion taking place right now.

Not only do we provide a fully-specialised criminal law defence service, but the practice has now decided upon a substantial programme of expansion in other areas. The firm is taking additional office space and is employing vibrant new staff to deal with what is an already established and expanding office.

Far from a solicitors' firm which moves out of Bradford into Leeds, the reverse has happened here.

This firm has unusually and without precedent moved from Leeds to Bradford, demonstrating its progressive view of commitment and faith in Bradford's future and the desire to provide a full professional service to the advantage of all.

Robin Irvine (Levi & Co in Association With Robin Irvine), Arndale House, Charles Street, Bradford.

SIR - May I reply to the letter from N Ali (July 21) who regarded mine offensive.

I do not recall having called Salman Rushdie "a son of Islam", although I did imply it.

The fact remains that a fatwah was issued against Salman Rushie and this is not an act of tolerance. Obviously (or so it would seem) leaders of Islam must have overlooked the verse quoted by Mr Ali from the Quran.

Incidentally I am indebted to him for the spelling of the word, since not being well read, I should have looked under the letter "k" for it!

P E Bird, Nab Wood Terrace, Shipley.

SIR - Ann Cryer's idea would be a great boost forward for immigrants gaining entry to the UK. Perhaps she could persuade her government to put pressure on all Third World and developing countries to provide resources to educate their populations in English.

Serving Keighley as an MP, I am sure she is aware that most of her immigrant constituents are unable to read and write their own mother language, let alone English - so any encouragement in education, as highlighted in Sir Herman Ouseley's Report, would be a most welcome step.

But broadly speaking, should she not be persuading her national and local Labour governments to be improving the quality of English and education generally in failing schools throughout England before going on the "foreign" attack?

Regarding arranged marriages, Ann need not be deeply concerned as over a passage of time and settlement the common links between marriageable partners are weakening between the British/non-British Asians - and as a natural result such marriages - will not be as common as they have been in the past.

Tahir Mahmood, Harewood Street, Bradford

SIR - Now the dust has settled on "The Riots", we need practical ways of bringing the city together in the spirit of mutual understanding and respect.

I have a simple suggestion as a starting point. Why don't some members of the Pakistani community stop letting off fireworks morning, noon and night, and maybe just limit it to November 5?

Perhaps they could donate the money saved to the Police Welfare Fund as an act of goodwill?

Andrew Milne, Randall Place, Heaton

SIR - As a resident of Bingley for almost 50 years, I am pleased that the new road is now starting to be constructed after all these years. What does annoy me is that your newspaper still publishes letters from people who are opposed to this road. Surely these letters should now be binned.

The road is going ahead and that's the end of it. So please stop publishing them and let's read about the progress of the road as it gets underway.

K S Parkin, Park Road, Bingley.

l EDITOR'S NOTE: Despite the fact we have led the campaign for this road for 30 years and more, we still believe in freedom of speech!

SIR - Like Ms Swallow (T&A, July 22), I dropped a letter while shopping in the Arndale Mall on Tuesday, July 17. It also contained a cheque.

The next few days left me contemplating my carelessness. I received an acknowledgement for the cheque on Saturday, July 21.

Thank you to the person who posted the letter for me.

I believe our wonderful city can overcome the many problems we have. Good can overcome evil.

Mrs D Ocherby, Thornton Road, Bradford.