SIR – In reply to F Jessop’s letter (T&A, August 25), I take offence that a reference is made about the residents of Bradford in the same sentence as the state of Bradford.

I don’t think many people will deny that it can be a shock for a returning Bradfordian to see the city now when they once knew it as a vibrant and prosperous one.

The words disappointed, distressed, disgusted and dismayed have all been used by people who go into Bradford and have either been used to describe the state of the city centre or the councillors who claim to be doing their best for Bradford.

The reality of the situation is they remain here – unlike a visitor who does exactly that visits, passes comments and then returns home.

Sonja McNally, Toller Lane, Bradford