SIR – Bradford’s regeneration chief, Barra Mac Ruairi has stuck his head in the sand, with the help of 25 officers, in regard to the proposed cross-rail project (T&A, July 16).

Andrew Mason was right in what he said at the Bradford Regeneration Summit, and his views on the cross-rail project are shared by the Bradford Civic Society, Bradford Rail Users Group, many local business people, and members of the public.

We don’t expect the link to be built in the immediate future, all we ask is for the space required to be left open for its development and the cost should be funded by the Government via Network Rail.

There has never been a better opportunity for this project as no demolition is required.

Environmental concerns mean that the railways are of increasing importance and Bradford could be left behind for the sake of half-a-mile of track. This is all that is required to put Bradford on the mainline network and on the map.

We need to form a Bradford Cross-Rail Group with representatives from all the interested organisations, business people and the general public, which will have the clout to drive this project to a successful conclusion.

K Ellison (Bradford Civic Society and Bradford Rail Users Group), Verdun Road, Wibsey