IR – I wish the T&A could show less of a snide attitude about the Royal Wedding, commenting how Bradford did itself proud by joining in street parties, then commenting about the cost of the wedding itself in times of austerity (T&A, April 30).

Yes, people clearly did join in and enjoyed themselves, and everyone I met in Bingley yesterday wished the couple well and not once the cost mentioned.

If you wish to make snide comments about the cost of the wedding as an anti-monarchy comment, please do so in the context of the cost itself, compared to the income from TV rights to two billion people, tourism and the benefit to the economy from the additional holiday – not to mention the happiness the wedding itself brings. No other event in the world is likely to match that.

If journalists hold Republican or Socialist views, then fine, go live in France. Don’t plant unnecessary comments without facts and evidence.

D Bartle, Brookfield Road, Shipley

EDITOR’S NOTE: I think you have misinterpreted our editorial column, which pointed out there is more to such celebrations than cost issues, but it is important to point out that this was our opinion and it’s the fact that people in this country are free to hold different views that makes it so special.