SIR – At times the T&A is in an impossible situation – to do the best for Bradford while also having to report the day-to-day reality of the city.

Thus it could hardly have enthused your staff to have to report upon the abject failure of the Christmas German market in Centenary Square.

Those so-called movers and shakers within our Council should hang their heads in shame, as this is simply another mortal blow to the reputation of Bradford.

It’s those same folk in power who still refuse to fully comprehend the debilitating effect the Westfield disaster has each day on the citizens who have to live with it and look at it.

Some say the market prices were too steep, but the prospective buyers were just not enthused and indeed have long placed their retail loyalty elsewhere. To commit to such a venture in Centenary Square for almost a month was optimistic to say the least.

It is so very sad to witness this death of our city. Come on, Bradford Council, please take to heart the words of Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption: “Get busy living, or get busy dying.”

John Murphy, Cooper Lane, Bradford