SIR – I am heartened by the progress of the Bradford Mirror Pool project (T&A, March 30). However, it is unrealistic to compare the progress of the scheme with the three projects that were successful in securing the final grants from the Big Lottery Fund’s Living Landmarks programme. It was never intended to be a race, and each of these multi-million pound projects face unique challenges to ensure their success.

The Living Landmarks programme was extremely competitive. Out of 313 applicants only three projects eventually secured the final grants.

The potential of the Bradford project was recognised when it was placed on a final shortlist of 23 projects and awarded a £250,000 development grant in August 2006.

This ultimately left the project better placed to be in the position it is in today.

The Big Lottery Fund has long been and continues to be a strong supporter of projects across the borough to improve communities and help create fantastic facilities for the people of Bradford, two recent examples being the award of just under £1.5m for the new library in Manningham and £315,000 towards the redevelopment of the Cottingley Cornerstone Centre.

Vanessa White, Big Lottery Fund head of Region for Yorkshire & The Humber