SIR – How those noble ‘Rochdale Pioneers’ would be spinning in their co-operative catacombs if they could see what has happened to their inspired creation.
The Co-operative movement was born in the 19th century from a desire to protect and serve an oppressed industrial working-class, providing wholesome products and services at fair prices to all, sharing its profits with the members twice-yearly in a much-anticipated and appreciated dividend. But an organisation which once had such honesty, integrity and trust has now become merely a corporate sinecure for the terminally incompetent and a profligate piggy-bank for so many Labour politicians.
Far from being ruined by city-slickers and spivs, it is a sad coincidence that Bradford has been linked with its recent period of catastrophic decline.
The last thing Bradford needs right now is yet more shame to be heaped upon its weary shoulders.
Graham Hoyle, Kirkbourne Grove, Baildon
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