SIR - I notice that we have lost more "jewels in our crown", as it were, with the LLewellyn sisters of Odsal being members of Halifax Swimming Club rather than one in Bradford.

As far as I know, the only pool in Bradford with a decent length to it is the one at Eccleshill - in Harrogate Road - but that is miles away from Odsal.

Why have we not got a first-class pool in the centre of Bradford ? Can we not convert the fine building opposite City Hall that is supposedly going to be demolished into a super sports centre for our youngsters so that some of them can become world beaters ?

Come on City Hall, show confidence in the young of the city and then with a bit of luck, Dee and Liane may change their loyalties.

We could do with the prestige after the last few weekends!

Phil Boase, Elizabeth Street, Wyke.

SIR - I was appalled to read (T&A, July 19) of the call, by a Burnley Lib Dem Councillor, to prosecute Keighley MP Ann Cryer for suggesting that people emigrating to Britain should learn to speak English.

Does Mozaquir Ali not know of the work which Mrs Cryer has done to help girls forced into arranged marriages? If he does, how can he then go on to suggest she is inciting racial hatred?

The ability to speak English is something which would make life easier for all people coming to live here, not just those from the Indian sub-continent.

Although the year is 2001, we are still living with George Orwell's 1984 "thought police". This, in my opinion, is one of the reasons for the tension in this city - people don't voice their opinions for fear of being called racist. Whatever happened to democracy?

Lynn Clay, Commercial Street, Denholme.

SIR - I feel that I must comment on Mozaquir Ali's call for Ann Cryer to be prosecuted (T&A, July 19). It is the job of a Member of Parliament to serve his or her constituency, and in the light of recent events, Mrs Cryer is doing just that!

She, like many others, is searching for workable solutions to problems which have contributed to the recent "disturbances". It is part of her job, it is what she has been elected to do!

Far from calling for her to be prosecuted, should Mr Ali not be entering into discussions with her? The cry of "foul play" rings rather hollow in the ears of those who are trying to rebuild community relations.

M Murphy, Leaventhorpe Avenue, Bradford.

SIR - Ann Cryer is absolutely right when she highlights the fact that Muslims' education will never rise above the mediocre as long as illiterate spouses are continually imported into Bradford, thus perpetuating the poverty trap.

The other Bradford MPs, Messrs Leslie, Rooney, Singh and Sutcliffe, surely know this but seem to prefer to keep their heads below the parapet instead of standing four-square beside Mrs Cryer.

They also failed to play their part in reasserting the authority of Parliament by failing to join Mrs Cryer and 123 other Labour MPs who voted against the constitution of the new Transport Select Committee.

Mrs Cryer has emerged with honour and it is high time the other four Labour poodles did the job they were elected to do, represent the people, and stop dancing to the tune played by the Millbank spin doctors.

Geoffrey Holmes, The Grove, Idle.

SIR - How refreshing to read I Khan's letter supporting Ann Cryer! Unlike several so-called leaders of the Muslim community, he sees clearly that the continuing practice of bringing spouses from Pakistan and Bangladesh is indeed harmful to the community, culturally, educationally, economically, and even medically.

Such traditions perpetuate the problems both for themselves and for the wider community.

Lionel Fitzsimons, Killinghall Drive, Bradford 2.

SIR - It is interesting to note Ann Cryer's recent plea to the Home Secretary on the topical subject of non-English-speaking immigrants. A political "hot potato" if ever there was one.

It will be even more interesting to see whether such statements have a detrimental effect on her career.

Perhaps the surprising consideration here is that these are the worlds of a Labour politician espousing a line of argument which traditionally would almost certainly be of the far right persuasion.

For Mrs Cryer to put her head so far above the parapet politically in an Asian-dominated seat, could almost be described as foolhardy in the extreme.

Or perhaps her political wiles are outfoxing the hunter and she has sensed a sea change in political correctness.

No doubt I am not the only one who will await the outcome of this contradictory juxtaposition of political ideology and considered opinion with bated breath.

Alan K Biggin, Bostocks Boyce Welch, High Street, Queensbury.

SIR - The word racism has sprung up ostensibly to prevent racism. It has the opposite effect by drawing attention to the subject.

People should be treated the same whether black, white or brown.

I realise there are factions within the community who wish to give themselves profiles, but these profiles must be channelled into the good of the city.

The riots were inexcusable, as near to terrorist actions as it could possibly be. The persons responsible must be dealt with by the law and seen to be not immune from their actions, whatever their colour.

Ethnic leaders of the community should centralise into one group, comprising the elders and the young, then thrash out the problems, possibly asking some of the ladies for their views.

But get rid of the Race Relations Board and all these quangos.

Let's have an Equality Board comprising of one group only, funded by all races of businessmen in Bradford.

L Grimshaw, Fearnville Drive, Bradford 4.

SIR - As members of Bradford's Standing Advisory Committee for Religious Education (SACRE) and a group of local school governors and teachers, we wish to affirm our support for, and belief in, Bradford as a multi-faith and multi-cultural city.

In spite of the current serious problems, the diversity and richness of the religious and cultural life of the city offer many opportunities for positive development.

This is being built on in a large variety of ways, not least by collaboration between the local religious groups on such bodies as SACRE, through the unique and internationally-respected Interfaith Education Centre and the commitment of a great many teachers and governors.

We are proud of Bradford.

Don Hassall, deputy chairman of Bradford SACRE, 17 members of SACRE and 19 others representing 17 local schools.