I FOUND it rather condescending when Cllr Peter Sinclair-Knipe said : “If [Hull] can get that accolade then Hereford certainly can” (Bid to gain a city of culture status, Hereford Times, January 1).

A central principle of a good bid is to show potential. A good indicator would be a city’s past performance on a variety of indicators and so I will compare Hull and Hereford on transport links, education and sporting heritage.

Hull is the UK’s busiest port with the splendid Humber bridge – Hereford is taking an eternity to sort out a bypass.

Hull has an established university with a medical faculty with internationally recognised research – Herefordshire University, one day, perhaps?

Hull has a football club which has worked its way up to the Premiership. Hereford? I rest my case!

I have lived most of my life in Herefordshire and have served many organisations in its promotion, including being a committee member of the Association for the Promotion of Hereford- shire.

I recognise the county’s huge potential in many fields, not least culture, and would like to offer my maquette of the Elgar Statue in the Cathedral Close (one of only seven), for permanent display at the Courtyard Theatre’s proposed extension for further cultural activities.

Elgar’s mother was a Herefordian and he wrote most of his music while living here, including Land of Hope and Glory. A display, with maquette, could also make a significant contribution to the city of culture bid.

RICHARD BRADBURY Much Cowarne