IN the late 1940s/50s as a pupil I was a reasonable student, except for arithmetic.

I had trouble making figures balance.

Now, in my early 80s, the problem is back.

Regarding new council tax figures, they’re all going up and yet, as we know, our fire service was cut in half and our police are non-existent, unless you see one flashing past in a car.

And on refuse collecting, first some were conned into paying for the collection of garden refuse. Now, we are told normal household waste collections will be fortnightly.

All this didn’t add up to me. Then, last week, I heard that in Bradford they are intending to flatten Kirkgate market and build housing, refurbish the Arndale Centre and use the old Marks & Spencer as a new fruit and veg market. Who’s paying for all this? Us!

We’re left with two eyesores, one in North Street and one in East Parade. It stinks.

ALAN DUGDALE Exley Road, Keighley