SIR - Usually Eric Firth's letters are to be applauded - he is sincere and fearless in his criticism of all and sundry. But in his letter "Ugly Britain" (T&A, August 31) he is very much wrong.

I am not British (Southern Irish) and like many other people from abroad came to Britain, that is Bradford, to work and live here and consider it our home.

Anybody can see Bradford is changing for the better. People have more money to spend and more choices to spend it on, whether foolishly or wisely.

Personally I like to smoke and drink occasionally.

As for food, Bradford can compete with any city in Britain in its catering services whether it be soggy fish and chips or Chinese takeaways.

Polluting the countryside with the "car"? How else are the city slickers going to get to enjoy the countryside, what's left of it, with more new houses etc springing up all over?

Jerry Higgins, Redcar Road, Greengates