A CONCERNED villager has put pen to paper and created some poetic prose in a bid to highlight fears surrounding the fate of a familiar seaside landmark.

The 50-year-old bridge that spans the creek near to East Point and the Ferry Road car parks at Walberswick faces demolition unless someone comes forward to take responsibility for its upkeep.

The Environment Agency (EA), which built the bridge over the Dunwich River in the 1960s to allow vehicles to access the beach for sea defence work, says the structure has now become unsafe.

Bosses have offered to restore the bridge to its original state for anyone willing to take it on – otherwise it will be removed completely.

Local resident Grahame Godsmark has now written a poem highlighting the issue.

'I have lived in Walberswick for a long time and that bridge is a feature of the village,' he said. 'It seems an awful shame if we are going to lose it.

'I penned the verse and sent it off to the Environment Agency with a letter, saying I hoped we should be able to preserve the bridge.'

The bridge is still immensely popular with crabbers, while many locals and tourists use it as a walkway. It has also featured in countless paintings and drawings over the years.

Gary Watson, coastal engineer for the EA, has previously told the EADT that the bridge fails current health and safety standards.

'We have written to both the parish and district council to give them the option of taking it on if they have use for it,' he said.

Last month the EA gave the parish and district councils 60 days to respond with suggestions for the future of the bridge.

Keep East Point Bridge

Horatius kept the bridge in Rome

When facing overwhelming odds.

We have a problem nearer home

With threats from bureaucratic bods.

From ferry stage to sandy shore

The path must cross the tidal creek;

The bridge is used by kids galore

When catching all the crabs they seek

No East Point Bridge, and then we'll see

The kissing bridge soon over used,

A crowded footpath to the sea

And crabbers' safety much abused.

Our heritage we must preserve,

Our artists' paradise secure,

For generations who deserve

The pleasures that today we share.

Don't take decisions that you may repent,

Do what is best for the environment!