SIR – What have we in Bradford done to deserve such negative Council leaders with no real foresight?

We now have Labour Council leader David Green (T&A, October 30) declining to support HS2 as he is unconvinced that Bradford will benefit from the project.

This is despite backing from virtually all other Labour council leaders, and Metro chairman James Lewis who states that the benefits to Yorkshire are obvious.

Councillor Green says that the economic benefits have reduced. While this is the case, the benefit cost ratio is still 2:3, meaning that for every £1 spent there would be a wider economic benefit of £2.30. Surely still a more than acceptable return?

The much-needed substantial capacity increase provided by HS2 is bound to benefit Bradford, with many new routes then able to be added to the network.

As an add-on to this project, the real way to benefit Bradford would be to now pursue the previously proposed cross-city rail link to further enhance these new journey opportunities. Unfortunately, Councillor Green and his colleagues are insufficiently ambitious and forward looking to achieve what is necessary for our city and future generations.

Our problems can be seen all around us as we continue to be badly served in so many ways by our amateur local politicians.

Bob Watson, Springfield Road, Baildon