I read with interest your article about The Castleford Project. This is an innovative and bold project which will bring great benefits to the people of Castleford.
We have worked closely with Channel 4 and the impressive group of architects and planners involved in the project. Even more importantly, the project has inspired many local people to develop ideas about what they want to see put into action in their town. We have got people talking about where they live, what matters to them and how they want to improve it.

This fresh approach to regeneration involves us finding better and quicker ways of managing the bureaucracy requirements that, as you rightly point out, makes regeneration such a challenge. We look forward to exciting results and to sharing what we learn from the experience with other local authorities across the country.

Castleford is a West Yorkshire market town that is rightly proud of its fine heritage. Its aspirations should be celebrated, not denigrated.

Postscript

John Foster, chief executive, Wakefield council.