SIR – It was a pleasant surprise to see that Stead and Simpson have returned to Bradford, within the next Shoe Zone shop in the Kirkgate Centre.

The Commercial Inn on James Street has been spruced up, however the same cannot be said for the Boy & Barrel on Westgate, despite it being up for sale; its facade is battered to say the least.

City Park is taking shape and with the fencing moved back, new paving and planting, a new central crossing point in front of the Odeon and the Lord Clarke pub is under offer – the area is slowly being uplifted.

North Parade is attracting new businesses, with the Sparrow cafe bar opening later this month, a Chinese supermarket, electrical store and fashion shop.

Rawson Place has also seen new businesses open including a fashion boutique, beauty salon and mobility scooter shop.

It would seem that there is a growing confidence in the future of Bradford city centre, and small steps like filling empty shops will help improve the look of the centre in the short term until larger schemes such as Westfield can be progressed.

Jack MacPherson, Killinghall Road, Bradford