More memories of 50 years of the Merrion Centre sought

READING the recent letter from Mr KE Coates regarding The Merrion Centre’s 50th anniversary article really struck a chord with me.

I am touched that Mr Coates has such a vivid and pleasant account of the day. I do remember Mr Coates; I was 12 years old at the time. I distinctly remember feeling quite frightened travelling up to the roof in the builder’s hoist lift that Mr Coates refers to. I thought I might actually fall out!

There was a lot of noise on the day due to the machinery and crowds, this added to my excitement but also to my nerves, I think this was the biggest event I had ever been part of. I clearly remember being by my father’s side as we laid down the last bit of concrete that Mr Coates mentions.

My father and I both held tightly onto the vibrating air poker machine (used to remove air bubbles). I watched my father smooth out the last bit ofconcrete with a trowel before I stepped onto it leaving my footprint, which is still there today. I actually keep this trowel in a glass cabinet in my office, it holds such wonderful memories.

Sadly my father, Arnold, passed away in July 2004, but my mother Marjorie, thankfully, is still very fit and also remembers much of the day. She obviously supported my father in his entrepreneurial endeavours and takes much pride in Merrion and Town Centre Securities.

It’s really touching that Mr Coates wrote this letter and I would love to hear other people’s memories of the Merrion Centre from the last 50 years and include them in our 50th anniversary celebrations in May.

If you do have stories or pictures that you would like to share with me, please send them to [email protected] or Town Centre Securities, Town Centre House, Merrion Centre, LS2 8LY, marked 50 years.

From: Bob Watson, Springfield Road, Baildon.

BRADFORD Council leader David Green says he feels “vindicated” now that the Westfield development is progressing (The Yorkshire Post, March 12). Is this man trying to airbrush history? Bradford Council, its officers and leaders, will never be vindicated for allowing our once great city to be without a proper shopping centre for 10 years due solely to their incompetence in not drawing up a suitable contract at the outset. This is another example of Coun Green’s political waffle.

That no one has ever been held to account for the shambles that Bradford became tells us all we need to know about the competence of the council.