SIR - I regularly cycle into Bradford city centre and welcome the major work being undertaken to make the centre of Bradford a much more welcoming environment and one that prioritises pedestrians, cyclists and buses.

Anyone who travels by train to Leeds have to be suitably impressed with the way City Square in front of the Queen’s Hotel has been transformed, turning it into a traffic-free zone and attractive green environment.

On the occasions that I journey to Leeds, I am witnessing a greater number of people either cycling, walking or boarding buses to travel to their destination.

Upon completion of the work in the city centre, I hope that the negative perception that many Bradfordians have of their city may recede and be replaced with a sense of pride and positivity.

On a personal level, I am looking forward to the year ahead when the city will see the opening of the Music Live venue, the Darley Street market, the reopening of the National Media Museum and the renowned Bradford Literature Festival that attracts many visitors from all parts of the UK.

Stephen Hetherington, Bradford