SIR – Over the past ten years, consultants have been given at least £20m for advice on regenerating Bradford, and we know how successful that has been.

At the Regeneration Summit for Transport and Connectivity at Leeds City College, our Council was given free advice by three very knowledgeable and successful property men in Bradford: Andrew Mason, whose self-financed property developments in Shipley are a resounding success; John Pennington, the saviour of the Midland Hotel and thwarted saviour of the Odeon; and Roger Owen, former main board property director of Morrisons.

They put forward a plan for a cross-city rail link and central station, integral with retail, which they believed would restore Bradford’s self-esteem and retail viability. What other city could have the benefit of such gold-plated advice? But our Council turned it down like a bedspread.

Councillor David Green, executive director for regeneration and the economy, was asked to comment and responded that he was not in favour of the scheme as he needed to concentrate on existing projects.

Does he mean the park/pool, Odsal sports village, business forest, magistrates’ court and demolition of the Odeon – all of which appear dead in the water? Words fail me!

John Pashley, Westcliffe Avenue, Baildon