I WAS very disappointed to read Rita Wealands’ letter about the Twin Sails bridge community weekend in prospect for the February 25 and 26 (Have Your Say, February 11).

While the bridge is not ideal, it is the bridge we’ve got, paid for largely by government funds. The bridge is a unique, exciting and innovative design created by the team that built the Gateshead Eye Millennium Bridge.

It will surely give the derelict areas on both sides of the Back Channel the kick-start needed for redevelopment. I for one look forward to being able to continue the walk from the Quay past the old lifting bridge and on into Holes Bay.

As far as the celebration is concerned, it will provide the opportunity for everyone to look at the bridge without traffic and help to raise money exclusively for charity in the local area.

The certificates will be available on Saturday 25 and the proceeds will be shared between the Mayor of Poole’s charity fund and other local causes nominated by Poole Rotary.

These include The Food Bank at Longfleet, The Osborne Centre for Multiple Sclerosis and the Poole Corps of the Salvation Army, who will be present on the day providing drinks from their mobile catering vehicles.

The three Rotary clubs in Poole hope that lots of people will join them and the Civic Party on the Saturday to celebrate a new era in Poole and in doing so raise lots of money to make a difference for the charities concerned.

I suggest that is what being a community is all about.

JOHN DUCKENFIELD, Rotary Club of Poole, The Avenue, Poole