SIR – I read with disbelief (T&A, January 6) that the Council is forging ahead with its £41 million swimming pool plan. While nobody would object to new swimming pools, should we really be spending tens of millions on these in Bradford when many essential services are being cut to the bone?

It was announced at the end of 2014 that Bradford will need to cut £9.4 million from the children’s services budget; then we have the recent revelation that Bradford education system is in total meltdown.

I am sure if Bradford residents were asked if they would prefer to have their current swimming pools renovated for a fraction of the cost and the remaining money go to fund essential services, I’m sure I know what people would decide.

Let’s not worry, though, as I am sure that we can trust Bradford Council to have a proper consultation, like the ones they normally publicise that never actually happen.

Jason Smith, UKIP Parliamentary Candidate, Bradford South, Woodlands Avenue, Queensbury