For years the villages of Drumoak and Durris have been linked by Park Bridge and the community created between these villages is one that all who live there are very proud of. It works as one in respect of many aspects of life; from baby and toddler groups, to running clubs, to the church community, to the bowling club, to beavers and scouts, to use of community facilities and that is really just the tip of the iceberg.

For our young people having the link between the two communities forges strong relationships which are taken forward as they grow up and for the older generations the availability of a number of different forums and groups is essential for their wellbeing.

Whilst the alternative accesses may not seem too distant on a map they are a significant detour for those living in the community. This is resulting in members of the community no longer being able to have the same access to what is on offer. Park Bridge created a link and an access which was pivotal and which enabled all the groups and facilities to be open and accessible to all. The detours involved now have removed that accessibility.

The power of community has been underestimated in our current society. Place making and community are now slowly being recognised by Councils as essential for new development. We acknowledge funding restrictions but the bigger picture needs to be considered here to prevent our place, our community - a strong and vibrant community - from being devastated by the loss of, what is for us, a key piece of infrastructure. Why not invest in protecting this when so much time is now spent trying to re-create what we had?