SIR – I appeal to the citizens of Bradford not to be too upset with the scathing criticism that was shown to them recently by a visitor from outside the county of Yorkshire.

For F Jessop to say Bradford is now just a shadow (Letters, August 25) is way off the mark.

Bradford will always have a special place in my heart because of my time working in the mills for more than 30 years.

The decline in textiles brought about the closure of Drummonds and Lister’s Mills but there are still a few smaller companies still going strong who are upholding the textile tradition – more power to their elbow!

The citizens of Bradford have always been resolute and will continue to be and I and countless others will always sing their praises.

Joe McHugh, Fairfax Flats, Otley