More roads needed to keep us moving

The issue is no longer if' this will happen, but more how and when'.

Commercial vehicles deliver the economy everything we use or consume is the product of a lorry journey.

Sadly, the growth of traffic in fact the growth of car traffic, because lorry miles are basically falling has meant congestion has grown and journey times have become more uncertain.

The consequence of that is wasted fuel and man hours and, crucially, wasted money about £20 billion-worth every year out of our pockets.

We can't all be on the same road at the same time, and introducing demand management by a road pricing scheme that spreads traffic over the day and reduces congestion has got to make sense.

The Government must invest in a 21st century road network for our world-class economy and that means building more roads.

But managing existing traffic is a must and road pricing will help achieve that.

Malcolm Bingham, Head of Policy Northern England, Freight Transport Association, Low Lane, Horsforth Poor substitutes SIR The three short-listed BCR redevelopment schemes for the Odeon building leave a lot to be desired in the way of worthwhile' usage.

They epitomise the folly and arrogance of trying to replace an established iconic' building like the New Victoria/Gaumont/Odeon.

Iconic buildings are not built to order, they have to be acclaimed afterwards.

None of the proposed shiny glass and steel facades will provide Bradfordians with the much-needed leisure facilities that the existing building, if restored, could offer ie, concert hall, ballroom and restaurant.

The building is also large enough to provide additional space for the museum, if required.

The best way to make your point, if like me you want to see the Odeon building retained, is to obtain a pre-paid questionnaire from the Museum of Photography, Film and Television, libraries or Council offices and write none of these' in the appropriate boxes.

John Wilkinson, Meadowbank Avenue, Bradford.

Let's have our say SIR I am sick and tired of the constant mutterings regarding the disposition of the Odeon but nothing seems to be emanating from City Hall.

It is about time Bradford ratepayers are allowed to take part in the reconstruction of our heritage.

There ought to have been, by now, some member of the Council brave enough to suggest a referendum. That will show which way the wind is blowing and then the city can go ahead with the wishes of the voters.

Come on, councillors, show a bit of courage and insist upon the ratepayers (that's us) being allowed to make a democratic decision that the Council seems incapable of managing.

Phil Boase, Elizabeth Street, Wyke.

Water disgrace SIR Regarding the shortage of water in certain parts of the country, the companies who supply the water, which they get for nothing, charge for it yet do not invest in new reservoirs, etc, and when there is a drought they are shouting about hosepipe bans, standpipes, etc.

If they can't supply water, they should not be in business.

While I am on the subject, there should be fairer charges for water. I know of instances where 12 people live in a house and pay less than a couple nearby.

While we should all be careful with our usage of water, the whole thing needs an in-depth study.

M Breen, Bolton Hall Road, Bradford.

Positive thinking SIR I am a governor at Wyke Manor School. I attended my first meeting at the school when it was officially put into special measures.

Since then I have seen and heard how the staff and students at the school have worked hard to achieve success.

To see Mrs D Fitzpatrick's letter (T&A, May 25) is really gratifying, it just goes to prove that hard work and positive thinking can and does help.

We just need the next inspection to reflect just how far the school has come on in the last two years.

I believe we have done everything that has been asked of us and more. In addition the partnership we have formed with Dixons Academy is proving to be very beneficial and the new head Mr Saxton, right, has been a real breath of fresh air.

What we now need is for the Dfes, Education Bradford and Bradford Council to agree to allow us a new school building, either on the present site or on another suitable convenient site.

But we do need the decision quickly and soon. So is there anybody out there listening and making a decision?

John Stead, Rooley Avenue, Odsal Where's the proof?

SIR So there are half a million Romanians and Bulgarians massing on their own borders, waiting according to Gary Lorriman (T&A, May 25) for the EU to give them the green light and usher them quickly on the way to Great Britain, are there?

On what does he base his claim? Has he got a satellite in orbit looking at those massing on their borders?

Is he fortunate enough to have access to top-secret information and feels the need to share it with us?

If so he must be prosecuted under the Official Secrets Act for letting this story into the public domain.

Ian Parsons, Alexandra Road, Eccleshill The same for all?

SIR As the Government ponders its legislation options to limit the appointment of foreign Muslim preachers, can we assume that, in the interests of fair play, identical restrictions will apply, for example, to Roman Catholic priests from Ireland, Greek Orthodox ministers from Cyprus and Zionist rabbis from Tel Aviv?

Coming from sources with a history of violent rebellion against our own state's position, it seems only reasonable to expect similar treatment for all.

Or am I being just a tad naive?

Graham Hoyle, Kirkbourne Grove, Baildon.

A sad reflection SIR Regarding your article headed "Pharmacies boost pill's success rate" (T&A, May 16), surely referring to the morning-after pill as emergency contraception is misleading since if conception has taken place, it should more accurately be described as an abortifacient pill.

It seems a sad reflection on our society that the increase in girls as young as 13 being provided with this pill, presumably in some cases without the knowledge of their parents, should be reported as a success'.

M E Mawson, Crofton Road, Heaton.